Tigers force Game 5 against A's, 8-6; Red Sox reach ALCS

After going three games without a homerun, the Detroit Tigers hit two of them to get back into Game 4 of the American League Division Series as they went on to defeat the Oakland Athletics, 8-6, at Comerica Park to force Game 5 in Oakland this Thursday night.

The Tigers also used Game 1 starter Max Scherzer for two innings of relief and notched his second win of the series. Victor Martinez hit a game-tying solo homerun to rightfield to tie it at four in the 7th inning. The play was in question due to two fans reaching over the railing and touching the ball as outfielder Josh Reddick attempted a leaping catch. The A’s argued interference, but after the umpires returned to the field after reviewing the play, the homerun stood.

Detroit's right-hander Justin Verlander will start Game 5 while A’s manager Bob Melvin declined to say who he’ll start. The game is set to begin at 8 pm.




Shane Victorino's infield single snapped a 7th-inning tie and reliever Craig Breslow gave Boston a huge boost out of the bullpen to send the Red Sox into the ALCS with a 3-1 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays.

Koji Uehara got the final four outs - one night after giving up a game-winning homer - and Boston rebounded to take the best-of-five AL Division Series, 3-1.

A year after finishing in last place, the AL East champion Red Sox won 97 games to match St. Louis for the best record in baseball and are moving on to the ALCS for the first time in five years. Boston will host Game 1 against the Game 5 ALDS winner between Detroit and Oakland.