Jones, Tigers unable to hold off Indians

A different city, venue and sport produced yet another memorable Cleveland victory over Detroit.

David Dellucci singled home the winning run with two out to cap a five-run ninth off closer Todd Jones as the Indians rallied past the Tigers, 12-11, Friday night.

One night after LeBron James single-handedly shot the NBA’s Cleveland Cavaliers to a double-overtime playoff victory over the Pistons at Auburn Hills, Mich., the Indians came through against one of the best closers in baseball.

“That was a crazy one,” said Cleveland catcher Victor Martinez, whose three-run home run got Cleveland to within one in the ninth.

Jones (1-3) blew his second consecutive save opportunity as the Tigers lost for the seventh time in eight games and fell 4 1/2 games behind the first-place Indians in the Central Division.

“I got pounded,” Jones said.

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Detroit designated hitter Gary Sheffield and San Diego catcher Josh Bard were suspended for three games each by the commissioner’s office for confrontations with umpires Thursday.

Sheffield was penalized for “aggressive actions directed at umpire Greg Gibson” at Cleveland, according to Bob Watson, baseball’s vice president for discipline. Bard was suspended for “aggressive actions, including making contact with umpire Ed Rapuano” at Pittsburgh.

Both players filed appeals, meaning they cannot be penalized until after hearings.