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The Detroit Tigers beat the Cleveland Indians 12-0 Tuesday at Comerica Park in a game that saw impressive pitching by Justin Verlander and the return in the eighth inning of third basemen Nick Castellanos.
Baltimore lost to Toronto 5-1, so the Tigers are now one game out of the last wild card spot.
Verlander struck out 12 in 8 2/3 scoreless innings before he left the game to a standing ovation.
In the bottom of the eighth, to the surprise of many in the crowd, the announcement came that Castellanos was pinch hitting. The crowd went wild and gave him a standing ovation.
He doubled and then pinch hitter Tyler Collins hit a triple, knocking Castellanos in.
Miguel Cabrera hit a three run homer, as did Justin Upton. Andrew Romine hit a solo homer.
The Indians may have lost a little edge on Tuesday, having clinched first place on Monday night.
The Tigers play the Indians on Wednesday and Thursday before a three-game series in Atlanta.
