Tigers win game one with Inge’s bat and Robertson’s arm

The Detroit Tigers chased Oakland ace Barry Zito after 3 2/3 innings and had a strong pitching performance from Nate Robertson to beat the A’s in game one 5-1.

Brandon Inge powered the Detroit offense going 3-3 with a homerun and double while driving in two. Detroit added a homerun from Ivan Rodriguez and Curtis Granderson scored twice to pace the Tigers offense.

Detroit starter, Nate Robertson returned to the mound for the first time since being pounded by the New York Yankees in game one of the ALDS. He pitched five scoreless innings before turning it over to the hard throwing Detroit bullpen.

Inge got the Tigers on the board in the third inning with a solo homerun off Zito. The Oakland starter retired the first eight batters he faced before the wheels fell off. Detroit added another run in the third, and then plated three more in the fourth and never looked back.

Detroit’s bullpen pitched four innings of two hit ball, giving up one run. The lone run came in the eighth inning off Joel Zumaya. The young flamethrower was clocked at 103 MPH on several pitches in his one inning of work.

Game two is scheduled for Wednesday in Oakland. The Tigers will pitch Justin Verlander while the A’s will counter with Esteban Loaiza.