DETROIT, Sept. 2 (UPI) -- Fernando Rodney got the final six outs for his first career save Tuesday night, giving Detroit an 8-6 decision over Cleveland.
Detroit held a 7-6 lead entering the eighth when Rodney entered to preserve the advantage. He immediately walked Ben Broussard and Victor Martinez singled to put runners at the corners.
Rodney fell behind Brandon Phillips, 3-0, before striking him out and Coco Crisp also struck out. Omar Vizquel popped up to end the inning.
Pinch-hitter Warren Morris' RBI single in the eighth made it 8-6 and Rodney struck out two more in the ninth to end the game.
Detroit's Brian Shmack (1-0) earned the win with 1 1/3 innings of scoreless relief. The Tigers' bullpen combined for 5 1/3 shutout innings after 18-game loser Jeremy Bonderman failed to hold a 6-2 lead.
