Jason Kipnis' 3-Run Blast Lifts the Indians 4-1 Over the Tigers; Three takeaways from the Win

DETROIT- The Indians headed into to Detroit Friday in hopes of continuing their winning streak, and they were able to do just that. Jason Kipnis came up in the 9th inning with a game-clincher three-run home run to deep right center field to give the Tribe a 4-1 win.

The Detroit Tigers got off to a quick start, as they got two quick doubles out of the gate. One of the doubles included an RBI double to left field from third baseman Nick Castellanos. Center fielder Leonys Martin would be the runner to score from second base.

The Indians would go onto score four unanswered runs. It started in fourth inning when first baseman Yonder Alonso would drive in designated hitter Edwin Encarnacion.

Indians Closer RHP Cody Allen would get his 12th save on the season. He would walk a batter and strikeout two batters in his one inning of relief.

The Indians improve their record to 33-28 on the season. While the Tigers fall 30-35. The Indians stretch out their first place lead to 5 games.

Three takeaways from tonight's game.

1. Pitchers Duel

You ever been on the golf course where you and your partner are just matching each other shot for shot? Well, That's exactly what Trevor Bauer and Michael Fulmer did tonight. RHP Michael Fulmer was simply special tonight. He went 7 innings. Giving up 5 hits, 1 earned run, 7 strikeouts on 108 pitches. Fulmer would get the no decision. RHP Trevor Bauer may have had his best performance we have seen in his career. Bauer went 8 innings. Giving up 7 hits, 1 earned run, 1 walk, and 12 strikeouts on 113 pitches. Bauer would get the win as he would improve his record to 5-4 on the season.

2. Indians avoid using the bullpen

Though the Indians bullpen has improving for past week. The Indians got a big time start from Trevor Bauer. And only had to use Cody Allen. If this game had went to extra innings. Who knows what could of happened.

3. Kipnis continues to come around

Slowly but surely, second baseman Jason Kipnis is coming around with his bat. The Indians know just how vital a healthy, and productive Jason Kipnis can be to the team. Tonight, he delivered. As noted before, Kipnis hit a three-run bomb in the 9th to give the Indians a late lead. Which also a gave starting pitcher Trevor Bauer a much deserved win. Tonight, Kipnis was the hero the Indians needed.