DETROIT, Aug. 30 (UPI) -- Victor Martinez delivered a two-run double during a four-run third inning Friday that sent Detroit to a 7-2 win over Cleveland in a game shortened by rain.
The opener of a series between the top two teams in the American League Central was called after seven innings. Detroit's abbreviated win boosted the Tigers 7 1/2 games in front of the Indians.
Cleveland lost its fourth in a row, falling into a hole when Detroit sent nine men to the plate in the third.
Jose Iglesias opened the big inning with a double and scored on a base hit from Austin Jackson. Andy Dirks then came through with a one-out single and Prince Fielder walked to load the bases.
That brought up Martinez, who drove in two runs with his double to center. A fielder's choice grounder by Alex Avila later in the inning brought home Fielder.
Rick Porcello (11-7) worked 5 2/3 innings to get the win. He threw 100 pitches while allowing two runs on five hits. Bruce Rondon was credited with the first save of his career when he retired the final batter in the top of the seventh before the Tigers added two runs in the bottom half of the inning.
Zach McAllister (7-8) gave up five runs on six hits in 3 2/3 to take the loss.
