DETROIT – Miguel Cabrera hit two home runs, Marcus Thames had one and Justin Verlander was dominant after a shaky start, lifting the Detroit Tigers to a 9-2 win over the Cleveland Indians on Tuesday night.

The surging Tigers (45-44) lead the majors with 21 wins since June 7.

The defending AL Central-champion Indians (37-52) have dropped nine straight and the latest setback was the first of the post-CC Sabathia era.

Sabathia, who officially was sent to Milwaukee on Monday for three prospects and a player to be named, rejected Cleveland’s $72 million, four-year extension offer during spring training and announced he wouldn’t negotiate until after the season.