The Athletics had taken three of the first four games against the Tigers, and it was looking like a W in the fourth contest was on the way. Oakland was up 6-1 before the Tigers chipped two more runs off of the lead in the sixth, but still, when Grant Balfour walked in for the bottom of the ninth, it seemed like the Tigers were in trouble.
Torii Hunter walks off to cap Athletics’ meltdown
The Tigers avoid the sweep with one swing of the bat.
Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Austin Jackson would walk to lead off the inning, though, and make it to second on defensive indifference. Prince Fielder would take his own walk after that, followed by a Victor Martinez that scored Jackson and put Fielder on third. Where they were on the bases didn't matter after that, though, as Torii Hunter finished off the meltdown with one swing of the bat:
This ball stayed up in the air forever, and left fielder Seth Smith looked like he had a chance until that last moment, where he didn't. The loss leaves Oakland three games back in the AL West, and 3.5 up on the Indians for the second wild card.
They still end up with three-of-four, but it’s a tough way to end a series regardless.
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