A costly throwing error and several lapses on defense did in Detroit yesterday afternoon as the A’s broke open a close game in the late going to club the Tigers 12-to-4 at Comerica Park. The victory allowed Oakland to avoid a 3-game sweep while Detroit missed a chance to make up ground on the Central Division leading White Sox, who lost 4-to-3 last night to the Royals and stayed two games ahead of the Tigers. Starter Anibal Sanchez gave up six runs to take the loss.

The Tigers tonight open a 3-game series at home against the Twins while the White Sox play three this weekend against the Angels in Anaheim. And the Cubs fell to the Reds 5-to-3 Thursday afternoon with the 3-game sweep at Wrigley Field making Cincinnati the first team in the majors to wrap up a playoff spot. The Washington Nationals will also be playing October Baseball. Yesterday, they clinched the first postseason berth for a DC team since 1933 with their victory over the Dodgers.