DETROIT (AP) -- Wilson Betemit hit a 423-foot home run in his first game back from left knee soreness, and the Detroit Tigers beat the Cleveland Indians 9-6 on Tuesday night.

Betemit hadn't played since Sept. 16, and manager Jim Leyland said Monday he was concerned about the third baseman.

But Betemit was in the lineup Tuesday, and he gave AL Central champion Detroit a 4-0 lead in the second inning with the towering homer to right field.

Detroit's Max Scherzer (15-9) allowed four runs and seven hits in 5 2-3 innings, striking out seven in his final tuneup for the postseason. Jose Valverde pitched the ninth, earning his 48th save in as many chances.

Jeanmar Gomez (5-3) allowed eight runs and 10 hits in 4 2-3 innings. He had won his previous five starts.

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