Hunter's 3-run home run in 9th lifts Tigers over A's; Cabrera leaves game early

Detroit Tigers' Torii Hunter, top center celebrates with teammates hitting a three-run walk off home run to beat the Oakland Athletics 7-6 today in Detroit.

DETROIT — Torii Hunter hit a three-run homer with two outs in the ninth inning, lifting Detroit over the Oakland Athletics 7-6 Thursday and saving the Tigers after Max Scherzer was denied his 20th win and Miguel Cabrera limped off with an injury.

The Tigers scored four times in the ninth off Grant Balfour (0-3). A two-out walk set up Victor Martinez' RBI single, then Hunter homered as the Tigers avoided a sweep.

Scherzer gave up six runs in five innings. The no-decision left him with a 19-1 record.

Cabrera hurt his abdomen making an awkward slide trying to stretch a single into a double. He was listed as day to day with discomfort.

The reigning Triple Crown winner has been hobbled this month with a strain in his groin, abdominal and hip area. He's also had a banged-up left leg.