Detroit @ Cleveland preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 15, 2018 ) Detroit 0, Cleveland 15

Needing one win to clinch the American League Central, the Cleveland Indians quickly removed any suspense for their home fans by scoring 11 times in the first two innings Saturday. With their third straight division title clinched courtesy of a 15-0 drubbing, the Indians could feature a patchwork line in Sunday's rubber match against the Detroit Tigers.

Francisco Lindor set a franchise record with his eighth leadoff homer of the season and Michael Brantley followed with a blast of his own to set the tone as Cleveland became the first team to wrap up its division. Jose Ramirez (3-for-4) scored three runs and knocked in two more to become the first player since Ryan Braun in 2012 with at least 30 homers, 30 stolen bases, 100 RBIs and 100 runs in a season. Despite winning Friday night's series opener, The Tigers have dropped seven of the last nine meetings to the Indians, getting outscored 71-16. Detroit sends veteran left-hander Francisco Liriano to the mound to face rookie Shane Bieber in the series finale.

TV: 1:10 p.m. ET, FS Detroit, STO (Cleveland)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Tigers LH Francisco Liriano (4-10, 4.58 ERA) vs. Indians RH Shane Bieber (10-3, 4.32)

Liriano was denied in his bid to win consecutive starts for the first time this season when he permitted three runs on four hits over six innings in a loss to Houston on Monday. He won his previous turn with five innings of three-run ball (one earned) against the White Sox to end a span of 17 appearances without a victory. Liriano is 0-2 with a 4.96 ERA in four appearances against Cleveland in 2018.

Bieber is coming off one of the best performances of the season, ringing up a career-best 11 strikeouts and blanking Tampa Bay on three hits over 6 2/3 innings on Tuesday. The rookie also turned in a masterful effort in beating Detroit on June 22, striking out nine in seven scoreless innings of four-hit ball. Bieber is 4-3 with a 4.93 ERA at home as opposed to a 6-0 mark and 3.92 ERA on the road.

WALK-OFFS

1. Lindor and Ramirez are the 11th pair of infield teamates in major-league history to hit 35 home runs apiece.

2. Tigers CF JaCoby Jones left Saturday's game due to right shoulder tightness after diving for a ball.

3. Indians RH Trevor Bauer threw 40 pitches in a bullpen session Saturday and is schedule to face hitters on Tuesday.

PREDICTION: Tigers 5, Indians 4