Indians frustrate Tigers again

Justin Masterson pitched six solid innings, and the Cleveland Indians beat host Detroit, 3-2, last night for their second straight victory over the playoff-chasing Tigers.

Miguel Cabrera hit a two-run homer for Detroit, but the Tigers missed another opportunity against a struggling team. Masterson (11-12) allowed two runs and four hits. He walked one and struck out four.

Four relievers finished, with Chris Perez pitching a perfect ninth for his 34th save in 38 chances.

Rick Porcello (9-11) allowed three runs and eight hits in 5 2/3 innings.

The Indians had lost 29 of 35 before taking the first two games of this series.

Detroit swept three in a row against the Chicago White Sox to pull even with them atop the AL Central, but the Tigers lost three to Kansas City before that. They trailed the White Sox by a game heading into last night.

Michael Brantley hit an RBI double in the second to open the scoring, and Jack Hannahan drove in a run with a single later in the inning. Brantley has hit safely in 15 straight games against Detroit.

Reds 2, Phillies 1: Jay Bruce homered for the third straight game, hitting a two-run shot that sent host Cincinnati to the victory with first baseman Joey Votto watching from the bench.

Votto was activated off the disabled list before the game, but didn't play.

Bruce's 31st homer in the sixth inning ended a four-game winning streak by Kyle Kendrick (8-10). Bruce has homered in four of his last five games.

Jimmy Rollins doubled in the fifth, making him the fourth Phillies player to reach 2,000 hits.

Brewers 8, Marlins 4: Norichika Aoki and Jeff Bianchi had three RBIs apiece for visiting Milwaukee. -- AP