The Detroit Tigers successfully set the tone for the rest of the series by claiming a 1-0 lead in the American League Divisional Series. Behind a strong performance from starting pitcher Justin Verlander, the Tigers beat the Atheltics 3-1.

Verlander was his usual dominant self, going seven innings strong with 11 strikeouts and holding the Athletics lineup to one run.

In the early going it looked as though this would be a high scoring affair as both teams got on the board in the first inning. However, both pitchers settled in as the game wore on as the game came down to a run given up on a Jarrod Parker error and a home run by Alex Avila in the bottom of the fifth.

Game 2 takes place Sunday at noon.