A fifth inning solo blast by Detroit Tigers catcher Alex Avila off Oakland Athletics starter Jarrod Parker extended the Tigers' lead to 3-1 over the A's in Game 1 of their American League Division Series. The score remains 3-1 in the eighth inning.
Justin Verlander struck out 11 A's in seven innings of work for the Tigers. Verlander was relieved by Joaquin Benoit, who almost gave up a game-trying home run to Brandon Moss.
