Doug Fister struck out a career-high 13, Victor Martinez hit a three-run homer and the Detroit Tigers beat the Cleveland Indians 4-2 yesterday to extended their AL Central leadto 7.5 games.

Fister (7-13) improved to 4-1 in seven starts since being acquired from Seattle on July 30th. The right-hander gave up an earned run and four hits over eight innings.

Jose Valverde pitched a perfect ninth for his 41st consecutive save, extending his team record and helping the Tigers improve to14-4 since holding a 1.5-game lead on the Indians on August 19th.

Detroit began a three-game home sweep of the Indians that night and has won five straight against them, sending Cleveland to itslargest deficit of the season.

Kosuke Fukudome had a home run for the Indians in the eighth inning, his second in a Tribe uniform. Fukudome has 14 RBIs with the Tribe in 36 games. He had 13 RBIs with the Chicago Cubs in 87 games.

The teams play again tonight at Progressive Field. Game Time is 7:05 pm. Rick Porcello pitches for Detroit tonight against Fausto Carmona.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)