Detroit 3, Oakland 0

Justin Verlander posted his 12th consecutive victory with eight shutout innings as the Detroit Tigers defeated the host Oakland Athletics 3-0 on Sunday.

Austin Jackson’s leadoff homer in the sixth was Detroit’s only hit against Athletics starter Guillermo Moscoso (8-9) as the Tigers won for the 23rd time in 30 games.

Verlander (24-5) gave up three hits and didn’t allow a runner past first base in his latest stellar effort that certainly improves his Most Valuable Player credentials. Verlander struck out six and walked three while improving to 14-2 on the road. His 24 victories are the most in the majors since Randy Johnson won 24 for Arizona in 2002.

Jose Valverde pitched the ninth for his 46th consecutive save of the season.

Moscoso struck out eight and walked two in six innings with his only blemish being Jackson’s 10th homer of the season.

Jackson singled with one out in the eighth and scored on Brandon Inge’s run-scoring double. The Tigers added a ninth-inning run on a perfect squeeze bunt by Ramon Santiago.

• Oakland will play their next game at home against Texas. The Athletics have a W/L % of .420 after a win and .476 after a loss.
• Detroit will play their next game on the road against Kansas City. The Tigers have a W/L % of .591 after a win and .569 after a loss.