Maybe the year’s best.

A’s 3, Tigers 1

Anibal Sanchez (8 GS, 43.1 IP, 2.49 ERA, 2.20 FIP, 1.5 fWAR) didn’t officially do it all on his own, but he needed very little help. A Torii Hunter blast and some defense from Rajai Davis was pretty much all he required to slay the A’s on Wednesday night, but the last two outs changed everything. Sanchez was classic Sanchez working all four pitches and dialing up above 95 mph more than a dozen times in 8.1 innings. He allowed three hits and a walk while striking out 9 en route to what was almost a beautifully played 1-0 win in Oakland. If you missed this one, it is definitely one to go back and take in as it was one of the best games of the year thanks to Sanchez and his counterpart, Scott Kazmir who was also very strong. Great pitching, solid defense, and a snappy pace. Then of course, the only reliever came in and ruined everything. After a misplay from Castellanos put runners on the corners, Nathan allowed a no doubt blast to Donaldson to turn this from a 1-0 win to a 3-1 lost. It’ll be Rick Porcello (9 GS, 58 IP, 3.88 ERA, 3.55 FIP, 1.1 fWAR) on Thursday going for the split.

The Moment: Sanchez carves them up all night and nearly goes the distance.