Needing to keep pace with the Chicago White Sox, who'd won in the afternoon, the Detroit Tigers got a very relieving win over the Cleveland Indians, breaking out late to win, 7-1, and avoid a sweep.

It kept the Tigers (73-63) just one game back of Chicago in the American League Central standings.

"It’s good, because our fate’s in our own hands. We play a lot games against them (the White Sox), and some of the other teams that are important. But we control our own destiny, we just have to take care of what we do," said starter Doug Fister, who gave up just four hits in seven innings of work, continuing to work toward his form from down the stretch last season.

"I definitely feel like we’re making some strides in that direction. Still some fine-tuning we need to get done, but that’s every day. ... That’s what we need to do, come in, get the work in, but that’s kind of where we’re headed."

It also helped that the Tigers broke the game open in the eighth inning, batting around for five runs. 

"It was very enjoyable. We’d been struggling offensively, and to put up five ... in that inning, it was good," said Andy Dirks, whose RBI triple — breaking an 0-for-13 skid — kick-started the scoring. "We know we’re capable of doing it, but whenever it comes together, when it happens, it kind of gives you a little relief. Just say, ‘OK, we can still hit the ball.’ "

Here is the video of some of the postgame reactions: