The Indians eliminated the Tigers from the division race Monday by clinching their first AL Central title since 2007, so manager Terry Francona rested several of his regulars behind rookie starter Mike Clevinger. The Tigers pressed on, scoring five runs in two innings off Clevinger (2-3) before breaking the game open with three-run rallies in the seventh and eighth.
Verlander (16-8), who picked up a no-decision after dealing seven scoreless innings in Cleveland a week and a half ago, cruised with the support and mowed down the makeshift Indians lineup, racking up a season-high 12 strikeouts while limiting Cleveland to four hits.