As fun as it was to talk about a sweep, most expected this series could go at least four games. Looks like they knew what they were talking about. The A's were fired up to be back in Oakland, the Tigers' offense was its typical road self, and the game was a rather quick and bland 2-0 defeat for Detroit.
Detroit managed just four hits. Miguel Cabrera was the only batter of the first four in the lineup to get a hit. Delmon Young and Jhonny Peralta accounted for three. That does feel like a bit of a lost opportunity.
Some credit has to be given to the A's, of course. Brett Anderson allowed two hits over six innings. He had a few assists from his fielders: Coco Crisp stole a Prince Fielder home run from over the wall in the second inning. Yoenis Cespedes stole a hit from Fielder later in the game, too.
Some blame has to lie at the feet of the Tigers, too. It's not like the road woes on offense have just arrived. The team is notably worse in run scoring away from Comerica Park.
Tigers starter Anibal Sanchez gave up just two runs -- though the bumpy start in the first inning was apparently enough to sink him. Allowing a single, walk, and single handed Oakland a 1-0 lead before an out was even recorded. Sanchez settled in after that, allowing five hits and two walks in 6 1/3 innings. The Tigers' bullpen was fine.
Game 4 is set for 9:30 p.m. ET Wednesday on TNT.