Tomlin solid in Indians’ win

Roberto Perez homered and Tomlin and the bullpen were at their stingy best in a 2-1 victory over the Detroit Tigers. The Indians have won three straight games and own a winning record (6-5) for the first time this season.

Perez, whose throwing error in the seventh led to the Tigers’ only run, gave the Indians the lead with a leadoff homer in the eighth off Alex Wilson.

"I know it's early in the season, but we're capable of scoring more runs than one or two a game," Perez said. "It's nice to see the pitching staff carrying us throughout the slump. We're going to get out of this."

Tigers left-hander Matthew Boyd held the Indians to one run over seven innings, but he was lifted after 102 pitches.

Andrew Miller earned the win with a scoreless eighth and Cody Allen pitched the ninth for his third save.

In his last start, Tomlin allowed eight runs on eight hits in three innings against the Los Angeles Angels. Four of the eight hits were home runs and six of the runs crossed the plate in the first inning. So the objectives for Tomlin on Tuesday night were simple — keep the ball in the park and reduce the damage in the first.

He checked both boxes, but still had to pitch his way around a first-inning double by Jeimer Candelario and a walk by Nicholas Castellanos. Tomlin, whose start was pushed back two days because of a sore back, threw five scoreless innings, stranding seven runners in the process.

He allowed four hits with two walks and three strikeouts. He pitched out of a basesloaded jam in the third and retired the side in order just once. He was at 97 pitches after five and the bullpen was summoned.