Cleveland @ Detroit preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 4, 2012 ) Cleveland 3, Detroit 2

The Detroit Tigers have not only failed to build on the momentum of a three-game sweep of the American League Central-leading Chicago White Sox, but they are in danger of getting swept themselves by the lowly Cleveland Indians. Detroit suffered its second straight 3-2 loss to the Indians on Tuesday and will look to salvage the series finale Wednesday before embarking on a 10-game road trip. The Tigers have gone 5-6 in their last 11 games - with each loss coming by one run.

The Indians closed out August on a six-game losing streak to finish 5-24 in the month, tying a 98-year-old franchise record for most losses in one month. They have rebounded to win three of four games, although offense continues to be an issue with the team scoring more than four runs only once in the last 16 games. Asdrubal Cabrera had his second straight multi-hit game and Michael Brantley extended his hitting streak against Detroit to 15 games.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, STO (Cleveland); FS Detroit

PITCHING MATCHUP: Indians RH Ubaldo Jimenez (9-14, 5.61 ERA) vs. Tigers RH Doug Fister (7-8, 3.67)

Jimenez's struggles continued in his last outing as he dropped his third straight decision, giving up four runs on eight hits in 5 2/3 innings. That marked his longest outing in the four-start winless streak. He has gone 1-7 with a 7.79 ERA in his last 10 starts. Jimenez blanked Detroit on seven hits over six innings on July 24, but is 4-6 with a 5.26 ERA in 11 career starts against the Tigers.

After missing a turn due to a strained groin, Fister struggled in his last outing, walking a season-high four and giving up three runs in five innings. He had his best outing and only complete game of the season against the Indians on Aug. 4, limiting them to one run on four hits. He lost at Cleveland on July 24, giving up three runs on nine hits in seven innings. He has held the Indians to a .216 batting average in 11 starts.

WALK-OFFS

1. Tigers 1B Prince Fielder has reached base safely in 25 consecutive games, the longest streak for the team this season.

2. Cleveland won back-to-back games for the first time since Aug. 8-9.

3. Tigers reliever Al Alburquerque retired all four batters he faced in his season debut.