Verlander, Tigers Get Past A’s In Game 1
Published at(DETROIT) — It started off with a long ball for the A’s. Then, Justin Verlander took over for the Tigers.
Verlander allowed just one run on a leadoff homer over seven innings and the Detroit Tigers took Game 1 in the ALDS from the Oakland A’s, 3-1 on Saturday night.
Verlander struck out 11 in his seven innings while allowing only three hits. Tigers pitching struck out 14 A’s in the game.
“I was a little out of synch but was able to get some outs with guys on base and keep the score at one run,” Verlander said. “The adrenaline got me a little bit early.”
Coco Crisp had the only offense against Verlander and the Tigers, sending a homerun down the right field line to lead off the game.
The Tigers then tied the game in the bottom of the first, when Miguel Cabrera grounded into a double play that scored a run from third. It would remain tied until the third, when a slow roller off the bat of Quintin Berry was bobbled by A’s starting pitcher Jarrod Parker, and the error allowed Omar Infante to score and take a 2-1 lead.
Parker two earned runs over six and a third innings, but also allowed a solo home run from Alex Avila which gave the Tigers some insurance in the fifth.
Jose Valverde pitched a perfect ninth inning for the save.
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