CLEVELAND -- Francisco Liriano's return to the Tigers' rotation was overshadowed by Trevor Bauer's continued domination of Detroit's lineup. The Indians right-hander struck out 11 batters over 6 1/3 innings of one-run ball, taking advantage of a rough first inning for Liriano in a 4-1 Detroit defeat Saturday night at Progressive Field.
The Tigers' fourth consecutive overall loss was their sixth in as many games in Cleveland this season. They fell seven games behind the Indians in the American League Central standings after starting the week with a 2 1/2-game gap.
Liriano (3-3), making his first start since May 26 after recovering from a right hamstring strain, showed signs of rust in a 40-pitch, 20-strike opening inning that included two wild pitches, two walks, four singles and a costly error from catcher James McCann on a play at home plate that cost a run and extended the frame.