DETROIT, Aug. 21 (UPI) -- Detroit center fielder Austin Jackson threw out the potential tying run at the plate to end the game Sunday and preserve the Tigers' 8-7 win over Cleveland.
The Indians, who once trailed 7-0, were threatening to tie the game in the ninth after putting Kosuke Fukudome on third base with only one out.
Matt LaPorta lofted a fly to center which Jackson caught. He then unleashed a strong throw home to nail Fukudome at the plate and the American League Central-leading Tigers held on to complete a three game sweep of the second-place Indians.
Phil Coke (2-8) got the win after tossing 1 1/3 innings of scoreless relief and Jose Valverde earned his 37th save as the Tigers upped their divisional lead to 4 1/2 games.
Delmon Young blasted a three-run homer and Victor Martinez contributed a two-run shot during a seven-run third inning for Detroit.
Cleveland starter Ubaldo Jimenez (1-1) was rocked for eight runs on nine hits over 3 1/3 innings.
Carlos Santana cracked a solo homer and Michael Brantley added a two-run double for the Tribe.
