OAKLAND -- Jordan Zimmermann took a big step closer to getting his better form back from earlier this summer, but it wasn't enough to get the Tigers closer to toppling the A's. Third-inning solo homers from Matt Chapman and Khris Davis were enough to send Detroit to its 11th straight loss against Oakland, this one a 2-1 decision Saturday night at the Coliseum.
Considering Tigers manager Ron Gardenhire talked half-jokingly before the game about using utilityman Ronny Rodriguez in relief if something happened to his starter, the Tigers needed a good outing from Zimmermann after Friday's 13-inning loss.