Detroit, MI (Sports Network) - Seth Smith's bases-clearing double highlighted
a six-run ninth inning as the Oakland Athletics avoided a sweep at the
hands of the Detroit Tigers thanks to a 12-4 decision in the finale of a
three-game series.
Smith finished with three hits, including a solo homer, while Josh Donaldson
and George Kottaras added two RBI each for the Athletics, who emphatically put
the brakes on a three-game skid.
Pat Neshek (2-1) recorded the final out of the fifth to snag the win. He
subbed for starter Tommy Milone, who allowed nine hits and three runs over 4
2/3 frames.
Gerald Laird, Austin Jackson and Prince Fielder knocked in runs, and Andy
Dirks also homered for the Tigers, who fell 2 1/2 games behind first-place
Chicago in the AL Central.
Anibal Sanchez (3-6) was charged with six hits and six runs -- five earned --
over 5 2/3 innings.
The Sports Network