Tigers reliever Mark Lowe threw a 1-2-3 inning in the bottom of the eighth.
It's 5-3 Cleveland after eight innings.
Steven Moya, James McCann and Jose Iglesias are due in the ninth to face Indians closer Cody Allen (17 saves, 3.12 ERA).
Top 8: Detroit cannot capitalize in 8th
There were two runners on base, no outs, but the Tigers could not take advantage.
Miguel Cabrera hit a leadoff single and Victor Martinez followed with a walk, but Cleveland reliever Bryan Shaw got out of the jam.
Nick Castellanos grounded into a double play and Justin Upton flied out to end the threat.