CLEVELAND - Matt Lawton got Cleveland off to a good start and David Riske finally finished off a win.
Lawton hit two homers, scored four runs and drove in four, and Riske earned the Indians' first save this season in a 9-7 win Sunday over the Detroit Tigers.
Cleveland's bullpen entered last in the AL with a 6.69 ERA, three blown saves and 58 hits allowed in 40 1-3 innings.
Riske was fantastic and 'Law' had a great day
Indians manager Eric Wedge said. That's the David Riske we know.
Carlos Guillen homered and had four RBIs for Detroit, which lost center fielder Alex Sanchez to a strained left groin in the seventh inning.
Sanchez barely made it to second on an RBI double - hopping the final 40 feet on his right leg and falling on the base. He was helped to his feet by trainers, who assisted him to the dugout.
I can't play tomorrow Sanchez said. Hopefully I won't be out too many days.
Lawton led off the first with his third homer and hit a three-run shot in the fourth - both off right-hander Jeremy Bonderman (1-1).
It was the sixth multihomer game of Lawton's career and first since he hit two against Cincinnati last June 28.
Cliff Lee (2-0) allowed three runs and six hits in 5 1-3 innings, striking out six without a walk. Riske, who had blown two saves and entered with an ERA of 15.75, pitched a perfect ninth.
I wanted to be out there
Riske said. When I'm struggling - and hopefully I'm done with that word - I want the ball. I wanted to get it done.
Lawton was determined, too, especially after the first pitch of the game backed him off the plate.
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