The Detroit Tigers took Game 5 behind Justin Verlander and eliminated the Oakland Athletics 6-0 on Thursday night, advancing to the American League Championship Series.
Verlander threw a complete game shutout. He only gave up four hits and walked one while striking out 11. More importantly, he gave the Tigers' bullpen a rest, especially after a tough loss in Game 4.
The Tigers played dramatic baseball all series long, but they did not let the Athletics gain any momentum in this game.
Austin Jackson gave them a 1-0 lead in the third inning. Then while at third and Cabrera at bat, A's starting pitcher Jarrod Parker threw a wild pitch scoring Jackson.
The Tigers did not score again until the seventh inning, but they made it count.
They drove in four runs in the inning. Jackson had his second RBI of the game with a single to right field. The bases remained loaded for Cabrera and he was hit by a pitch. Prince Fielder then sent a blooper to center scoring Jackson and finally Delmon Young drove in the last run for the Tigers on a liner to short.
The A's wrapped up a beautiful season. They have a lot of room to grow, which should be scary for many in the American League and around the Majors in general. The fans asked the A's for an encore and the Athletics came out for a curtain call.
The Tigers will face the winner between the Orioles and the Yankees who are going to play Game 5 tomorrow.
