Needing to win Game 3 to avoid elimination, the Oakland Athletics got off to a good start against the Detroit Tigers on Tuesday.
Coco Crisp led off the bottom of the first inning with a single and advanced to second base when Stephen Drew walked. Crisp then came into score when Yoenis Cespedes singled to center field. With runners at first and second and no outs, the Athletics were unable to capitalize further with Josh Reddick eventually grounding into an inning-ending double play.
Brett Anderson started the game for the Athletics and has been strong through his first three innings of work. Anderson has given up just two hits while striking out three batters. He's also been efficient with his pitches, needing 39 through the first three innings.
After allowing the first three batters to reach, Tigers starter Anibal Sanchez has settled down. Sanchez has given up three hits through three innings while striking out two. The Tigers nearly tied the game in the top of the second inning when Prince Fielder drove a ball deep into right center field, but Crisp made a leaping catch at the wall to rob Fielder of a home run.