A's vs. Tigers, 2012 ALDS Game 5: A's fall to Verlander, Tigers in 6-0 loss

The Oakland A's attempt to be the second Bay Area team to come back from an 0-2 series deficit fell short as they lost to the Detroit Tigers on Thursday, 6-0. For the second time this series, the A's couldn't break through against the Tigers' ace, Justin Verlander. The reigning AL Cy Young threw a shutout, allowing only four hits and striking out 11.

A's starting pitcher Jarrod Parker hung with Verlander until a disastrous seventh inning, when the Tigers batted around the order, scoring four runs. Parker allowed two runs to score before reliever Ryan Cook came on and allowed two runs. Cook was pulled without recording an out.

The A's managed to get two runners on in the eighth inning when Josh Donaldson and Cliff Pennington both singled before Game 4 hero Coco Crisp grounded to second to end the inning. Verlander came out for the ninth inning, getting Stephen Drew to strike out. Yoennis Cespedes and Seth Smith then both grounded out to send the A's home and the Tigers on to the American League Championship Series.

They'll face either the New York Yankees or Baltimore Orioles, who play Game 5 Friday afternoon afternoon at Yankee Stadium.