If the Tigers wind up winning this game -- a likelihood, considering they've got a 3-1 lead after seven innings -- the big story's going to be Justin Verlander, who gave up a leadoff home run to Coco Crisp in the first inning but blanked the A's afterward in his seven-inning stint.

But the second-biggest story might be the return of Pat Neshek, who relieved A's starter Jarrod Parker in the seventh with one out and two runners aboard. Neshek salvaged the inning, retiring Omar Infante on a grounder and striking out Austin Jackson, keeping the A's within striking distance.

Just three days ago, Neshek's 23-hour-old son Gehrig died, cause yet unknown. But Neshek, reportedly with the encouragement of his wife, wanted to pitch. And considering how well he pitched in the regular season after joining the A's in August, he was named to the Division Series roster Saturday morning.