DETROIT (AP) — Victor Martinez hit a tiebreaking homer in the eighth inning, and the Detroit Tigers beat Baltimore 4-3 on Friday night, pulling even with the Orioles for the American League’s second wild card.
Michael Fulmer pitched seven solid innings, and the Tigers won despite blowing a 3-0 lead. The Orioles tied it in the eighth when Adam Jones hit an RBI single, but Martinez led off the bottom half with a drive to right-center field off reliever Brad Brach (8-3).
Alex Wilson (3-0) got the win even after allowing the tying run in the eighth. Francisco Rodriguez pitched a perfect ninth for his 40th save in 44 chances. He is tied with Baltimore’s Zach Britton for the AL lead in saves.
J.D. Martinez hit a two-run single in the fifth to give Detroit a 3-0 lead, but Jonathan Schoop hit a two-run homer the following inning to start Baltimore’s comeback.