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.
The 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.
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.