Jackson’s 4-hit outing helps spark Tigers in pounding of A’s

The Tigers' Torii Hunter slides in safely to score past the A’s Derek Norris in the first inning. Hunter scored on a single by Victor Martinez to open up the floodgates in a 10-1 Tigers victory.

OAKLAND — Injured Octavio Dotel danced his way through the Detroit clubhouse, gyrating and skipping while Torii Hunter held court in front of his locker.

The AL's top hitting team is piling up the hits and runs — and having a good time along the way.

Getting solid production from leadoff hitter Austin Jackson and the lower part of the batting order, the Tigers routed the Oakland Athletics 10-1 Sunday for their third win in four games.

Jackson had four hits, including a two-run homer, and Detroit got a much-needed boost from its Nos. 5-9 hitters, who combined for five hits, two runs, and three RBIs.

Not bad, when the top of the order includes Prince Fielder and Triple Crown winner Miguel Cabrera.

"We show you the left, then we sting with the right," said Hunter, who had two doubles and a triple. "You look at Prince, Cabrera and myself ... you kind of forget about our catfish, the bottom feeders."

Detroit's big three combined to drive in four runs and score five times, but it was Jackson and bottom of the order provided spark.

Jhonny Peralta, the No. 6 hitter, had two hits and an RBI. Victor Martinez and Andy Dirks also drove in runs for the Tigers.

"We grind out our at-bats pretty good," Detroit manager Jim Leyland said.

"Jackson really sets a good tempo for us. When your leadoff hitter gets four hits, you should score some runs."

Hunter had three extra-base hits for the first time since June 13, 2009, for the Los Angeles Angels.

Cabrera drove in two runs for the Tigers, who had 14 hits.

The first eight batters in the Tigers batting order had at least one hit, and seven players drove in runs.

Oakland managed just three hits while losing its second straight following a nine-game winning streak.

"They swung well this whole series, and when you're not making your pitches this is what happens," A's manager Bob Melvin said. "We just got shut down the last couple of games."

Anibal Sanchez overcame a sluggish start to pitch seven innings, winning his second straight outing and giving Detroit's bullpen a needed rest.

Sanchez (2-0) pitched with runners on base in three of the first four innings but limited the damage until finding his rhythm. He allowed one run, three hits and four walks, matching his season-high of eight strikeouts.

Rick Porcello, skipped in the rotation due to Monday's off day, pitched two scoreless innings.