The Detroit Tigers looked well on their way to their 30th victory of the season, until the Oakland Athletics got the potential game-winning run on base in the ninth inning. The Tigers held on and won the game 5-4.
Detroit entered the bottom of the ninth with a 5-2 advantage. Oakland third baseman Josh Donaldson led the inning off with a double and advanced to third on a ground out. Designated hitter Yoenis Cespedes drove him in with an infield single.
After first baseman Alberto Callapso struck out, right field Josh Reddick smacked a double to right field that scored Cespedes. Shortstop Nick Punto then drew a walk. With the game- tying and winning runs aboard, pinch hitter Jed Lowrie grounded out to first to end the game, according to ESPN.
For the Tigers, starter Rick Porcello recorded his eighth win of the season, going 5 2/3 innings. He allowed two runs on five hits and issued six walks. Despite getting into trouble in the ninth, closer Joe Nathan amassed his 13th save of the year.
First baseman Miguel Cabrera and designated hitter Victor Martinez each drove in two runs. Second baseman Ian Kinsler scored twice and got one RBI on two hits according to mlb.com.
The Tigers drew first blood in the game with one run in the third inning. The A’s answered in the fourth with a two-run homer by Punto.
Detroit retook the lead in the fifth with two runs and added two more in the seventh on a Martinez double.
The two teams split the four game set. The Tigers continue their West Coast swing with a trip to Seattle, and the A’s will remain at home for a series with the Los Angeles Angels.