"There was enough built-in intrigue in the series opener between the Indians and the Tigers to fill a James Patterson novel. Then the elements revealed another plot line on Tuesday night/Wednesday morning.

After starters Justin Masterson and Doug Fister were rendered unpitchable because of a 2 hour and 3 minute rain delay, the game turned into a bullpen duel. The Indians had the better stats and nickname -- the Bullpen Mafia -- and in the end that may have made the difference.

Following 12 scoreless innings of relief, Kosuke Fukudome made all that hard work pay off as he was hit by a David Pauley pitch with the bases loaded to score Asdrubal Cabrera and give the Indians a 3-2 victory over Detroit in 14 innings.

Cabrera started the rally with a one out walk off Pauley (5-5). Travis Hafner ripped a single past Carlos Guillen at second to move Cabrera to third. Carlos Santana was intentionally walked to load the bases and bring Fukudome to the plate. Pauley hit Fukudome --- who had struck out in his previous four at-bats --- with a 1-2 pitch in the left forearm.

"It was a long night, but at the end it was worth it," said manager Manny Acta. "All the credit goes to our bullpen ... unbelievable. They throw 12 scoreless inning to give an opportunity to score a run.

"Chad Durbin set the tone when Masterson wasn't able to come back. He threw three great innings against a very tough lineup and the rest of the guys came in and held them in check. Their bullpen was very good as well -- especially those lefties with our lineup filled with lefties [six lefties and two switcher-hitters]." "