Phillies Edged By Tigers For 6th Straight Loss

Alex Avila's two-run double in the fifth inning put Detroit ahead, and Doug Fister pitched eight impressive innings for the Tigers in a 2-1 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies on Friday night.

Cole Hamels (4-13) was trying to protect a 1-0 lead for the Phillies when he allowed the bottom of Detroit's batting order to break through. After a one-out walk to Hernan Perez, Ramon Santiago and Avila hit back-to-back doubles.

Santiago was playing third base in place of slugger Miguel Cabrera, who hasn't played since Monday because of an injured left hip.

Fister (9-5) allowed three hits and an unearned run. Joaquin Benoit pitched the ninth for his 10th save in 10 chances.

Darin Ruf grounded out with a man on third to end it.

(Copyright 2013 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)