By Dave Hart
LocalSportsJournal.com

Tigers 9, A’s 4 – J.D. Martinez moved up in the lineup and responded with a double, home run and four RBIs to pace the Tigers over the Oakland Athletics on Wednesday night.

LSJ Logo incertThe Tigers will look to go over the .500 mark and take the four-game series over the A’s with a win Thursday afternoon.

Detroit’s Victor Martinez added a three-run home run, while Nick Castellanos chipped in with a triple and Miguel Cabrera doubled.

The Tigers jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the second inning and led 8-1 after six innings.

Detroit’s starting pitcher Justin Verlander picked up the win, allowing three runs on five hits while striking out six batters in 6 1/3 innings.Eye on the D

Oakland was led by Khris Davis with a triple and solo home run.

Record: 10-10

Tied for 3rd Place in AL Central Division (5 games behind Chicago)

1.5 game behind Boston for last playoff spot

Magic # to clinch a playoff spot: 144

Magic # to clinch an AL Central Division title: 147

Next Game: 04/28/2016 vs Oakland A’s 1:10 p.m. @ Comerica Park

Hitting stats: J.D. Martinez 2B (4) HR (3) 4 RBI (10), Victor Martinez HR (4) 3 RBI (15), Anthony Gose RBI (3), Miguel Cabrera 2B (5), Nick Castellanos 3B (1), Jose Iglesias SB (2).

Pitching stats: Justin Verlander W (2-2) 6.1 IP 5 H 3 R 3 ER 2 BB 6 K.