Outfielder Rajai Davis registered his first career walk-off homer with a grand slam in the bottom of the ninth inning to give Detroit Tigers (34-34) a 5-4 victory over the AL West leading Oakland Athletics (51-31).
History repeated itself as the Tigers were celebrating the 30th anniversary of their 1984 World Series title. 10 years ago as they celebrated the 20th anniversary, Carlos Pena knocked a tiebreaking walk-off grand slam against Arizona according to MLB.com.
A’s pitcher Scott Kasmir (5-2) held the Tigers’ offense in check over 5.1 innings. He allowed just four hits and a run as he fanned seven. A’s closer Sean Doolittle allowed the walk-off grand slam, as well as three hits and a walk, just his second allowed all year.
Tiger’s pitcher Blaine Hardy (1-1) got the win for Detroit, pitching just one inning with a strikeout.
Monday’s game was the fifth meeting between the two teams this season. The Tigers have eliminated the A’s from the postseason the last two years in decisive Game 5s according to The Detroit News.