Detroit Tigers Spencer Torkleson (20) scores one of the two Tigers runs going past Oakland A’s catcher Kyle McCann (52) in the top of the seventh inning at the Oakland Coliseum on Sat Sep 7, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

OAKLAND–After a crazy 13 inning game Friday night, the Oakland A’s were looking to win game two of their series with the Tigers. Oakland took the first lead of the game in the fifth inning but there was not much more for the A’s for the rest of the game.

They had a sprinkling of hits for the rest of the game but it was the Tigers who took the game scoring twice in the seventh inning. The final was 2-1 in favor of the Tigers. Brady Basso was impressive on the mound going six innings.

Game recap: A’s starter Brady Basso had a nice start in this game in the opening inning allowing only one hit, a single and that would be it for the Tigers. The Tigers Hanifee also allowed a single but not much for Oakland to start. Basso went on to have a solid second inning three up and three down. Going into the third inning a pitcher’s duel had gotten underway.

Oakland would be first up on the board in a highly contested game. Kyle McCann singled Zach Gelof home in the fifth inning for the first score of the game 1-0. The Tigers would keep pace and then some, scoring twice in the seventh and taking a 2-1 lead.

Colt Keith scored to tie up the game when Dillon Dingler grounded into a fielder’s choice. The Tigers would extend their lead when Parker Meadows sacrificed and Spencer Torkelson scored giving Detroit a 2-1 lead.

Going into the ninth inning, Oakland had work to do and it all started with retiring the Tigers in order and get their offense on track. Osvaldo Bido took the mound in relief and took care of business. It was up to the A’s to get their offense going. With two outs and Daz Cameron on first, it would be up to Zach Gelof. Gelof struck out and that was the ball game 2-1 won in favor of the Tigers and this series is tied.

Basso had a terrific game going six innings allowing three hits, no runs, 1 walk and six strikeouts. It was an impressive outing.

Game notes: Neither A’s or Tigers were sleepwalking after Friday night’s marathon 13 inning game. The A’s came out on top in one crazy 13 inning contest beating the Tigers 7-6. While fatigue may have figured into Saturday’s game, the mere fact that Oakland won Friday goes miles in the confidence department but as it turned out the Tigers just got by the A’s for a one run win to tie the three series at 1-1 thus far.

Tigers starter Brenan Hanifee went two thirds of an inning allowing a hit, reliever and Tigers number two pitcher Brant Hurter who lasted the longest pitching 5.1 innings allowing four hits and the A’s only run. A’s starter LHP Brady Basso pitched well going six innings and allowing three hits and one run before he was lifted.

Game three will be played Sunday with first pitch scheduled for 1:07 PM. Right now the Tigers are undecided as to who will pitch but the A’s will send RHP J.T. Ginn (0-0, 4.30)