Tigers Edge Red Sox 13-12
DETROIT (WWJ/AP) Alex Avila's two-run homer with two outs in the bottom of the 11th inning gave the Detroit Tigers a stunning 13-12 victory over the Boston Red Sox on Sunday.
"It felt like I've been out there forever, felt like I've caught 300 pitches," said Avila. "I was just trying to make sold contact ... it just barely made it out, but I don't care," said Avila of his winning home run.
As heard on 97.1 The Ticket - the Tigers took an early lead getting four runs in the first inning and another run in the second but the Red Sox had already started chipping away at the lead, batting in two runs in the second and then five runs in the third inning before Scherzer was pulled.
A ninth inning three run shot by Miguel Cabrera off Alfredo Aceves tied the game for the Tigers.
Boston then scored twice in the 11th, but Mark Melancon (0-2) couldn't hold the lead.
Cabrera and Prince Fielder singled before Delmon Young's sacrifice fly cut the margin in half.
Avila followed with a drive to right and Cody Ross tried to make a leaping catch, but the ball appeared to hit a restraining gate just above the wall.
Max Scherzer pitched just over two innings and managed to give up seven runs before being pulled from the mound.
Duane Below (2-0) got one out for the win - even though Detroit manager Jim Leyland said he wouldn't be available.
The Tigers swept the series against the Red Sox and see their best start - only the second time in 26 years.
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(TM and © Copyright 2012 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2012 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
