AL Central-leading Tigers beat Orioles 7-3

DETROIT — Alex Avila set off one of the most enthusiastic celebrations in the Detroit Tigers' front office box since Magglio Ordonez's homer lifted them into the 2006 World Series.

The son of Detroit's assistant general manager hit a two-out RBI double in the third inning of his major league debut to help the Tigers beat the Baltimore Orioles 7-3 on Thursday.

"It was incredible," he said.

Avila's father, Al Avila, was hugged by Hall of Famer Al Kaline and congratulated enthusiastically by team president Dave Dombrowski and vice president John Westoff.

"Wow," Dombrowski said after sitting back down.

Avila said his mother, fiance, her family, a cousin and some friends from high school were there to share the moment, too.

"If his dad is not too cheap, he'll buy him dinner," Detroit manager Jim Leyland joked.

Avila said his father planned to host a barbecue at his house Thursday evening.

"It should be a fun night," said the former Alabama standout and 2008 fifth-round pick, who was recalled from Double-A Erie on Wednesday.

Brandon Inge hit a two-run homer in a four-run second inning and Rick Porcello didn't give up a hit until the fifth, helping the Tigers win the four-game series and stay atop the AL Central heading into a matchup with the third-place Minnesota Twins.

Detroit has won twice as many games as it has lost at Comerica Park this season and is a baseball-best 19-6 at home since June 6.

"I've been asked about that 1,000 times and I still don't have an explanation," Leyland said. "The teams in baseball that are fighting for something have to win on the road."

The Orioles have been struggling home and away, losing 15 of 20 since the All-Star game.

"When you are losing, it doesn't matter who you've been playing, it is still tough," Baltimore manager Dave Trembley said. "But since the All-Star break, we've faced contenders the whole way. We had one series against Kansas City, but other than that, it is has all been top teams."

Porcello (10-7) became just the second pitcher in franchise history with double digits in wins at the age of 20 or younger, joining Dave Rozema, who had 11 victories before his 21st birthday.