Lofton’s infield hit helps Indians win

DETROIT -- Jake Westbrook and Nate Robertson kept the game scoreless through eight innings. Then in a battle of the bullpens, the Cleveland Indians did better -- barely.

Pinch-hitter Kenny Lofton’s infield single off Joel Zumaya drove in the go-ahead run with two outs in the 10th inning, and the Indians beat Detroit, 3-1, Thursday to open a 2 1/2 -game lead over the Tigers in the American League Central.

Trailing 3-0, the Tigers had a chance to win a series for the first time since mid-July. Marcus Thames hit a run-scoring double with two outs in the 10th off Joe Borowski, putting two runners in scoring position, but Ivan Rodriguez popped up to end it.

With Seattle and New York playing well in the wild-card race, the Indians and Tigers might be competing for only one spot in the postseason. They’re scheduled to play only one more series, a three-game set Sept. 17-19 in Cleveland.

Westbrook gave up five hits and two walks -- one intentional -- over eight innings.