DETROIT (AP) — Justin Verlander pitched impressively into the seventh inning, J.D. and Victor Martinez both homered and the Detroit Tigers beat the Oakland Athletics 9-4 on Wednesday night.
Detroit manager Brad Ausmus shuffled his lineup before the game, moving J.D. Martinez from fifth to second in the batting order as he switched spots with Justin Upton. The moves paid off when J.D. Martinez hit a three-run homer in the second inning. Victor Martinez added a three-run shot of his own in the sixth.
Verlander (2-2) allowed three runs and five hits in 6 1/3 innings, his third straight quality start since allowing seven runs against Pittsburgh on April 11.
Sonny Gray (3-2) lasted only two innings in the shortest start of his big league career. He allowed four runs, two hits and four walks, throwing 65 pitches.
