Quiet night for offense in setback to the Tigers

Spot starter Hardy limits Tribe to one run

DETROIT » The Indians’ bullpen kept them within a run, but the Tribe’s usually potent offense was kept quiet in a 2-1 loss to the Tigers on July 28.

The AL Central leaders entered the game as the secondhighest scoring team in the majors. But they could only score against spot starter Blaine Hardy on Jason Kipnis’ single in the second inning.

“They kind of took the spin out of bats,” Manager Terry Francona said. “Hardy was able to spin the breaking ball, especially in fastball counts.”

JaCoby Jones hit a go-ahead, two-run homer in the third inning for the Tigers.

Hardy (4-3) made his 10th start of the season, equaling his number of relief appearances. The left-hander replaced scheduled starter Francisco Liriano.

“He can go a lot of different ways,” Tigers manager Ron Gardnehire said. “Some pitchers can’t do that. They need more routine. If we asked him to close, he would probably go do that.”

Hardy gave up just four hits over five innings.

“The curveball was working for the first time in about two years,” he deadpanned.

Three Detroit relievers combined to pitch four scoreless innings. Shane Greene retired the side in order in the ninth for his 21st save in 24 chances.

Mike Clevinger (7-7) allowed two runs and struck out eight over five innings, making his start that was in doubt because of an illness that kept him up much of the previous night.

“Credit to the staff here to be able to put my body back together to get going,” he said.

Roster moves

INDIANS » RHP Adam Plutko was recalled from Triple-A Columbus and OF Tyler Naquin was put on the DL because of with a strained right hip. TIGERS » LHP Josh Smoker was claimed off waivers from Pittsburgh and sent to Triple-A Toledo.

Trainer’s room

INDIANS » Clevinger’s start was in doubt just a couple hours before the game due to an illness. With Naquin’s injury making the Indians’ outfield even more banged up, manager Terry Francona acknowledged the front office is trying to trade for an outfielder. TIGERS » LHP Francisco Liriano was scheduled to start July 28 before being scratched because of an allergic reaction, giving him

rashes on his back. Liriano had blood work done and results were expected July 30. ... Jones left the game after the fifth inning with tightness in his lower back.

Up next

Cleveland RHP Corey Kluber (12-6) is scheduled to start July 29 on five days’ rest and Detroit RHP Jordan Zimmermann (4-2) is expected to be on the mound in the series finale.

DUANE BURLESON — THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Edwin Encarnacion reacts after flying out to deep center field during the eighth inning on July 28 in Detroit.

DUANE BURLESON — ASSOCIATED PRESS Mike Clevinger credited the Indians medical staff with helping him get ready to face the Tigers while battling an illness.