Detroit Tigers third baseman Miguel Cabrera hit his 40th home run of the season and drove in a total of six runs, helping his team beat the Oakland Athletics 12-2 Tuesday night at Comerica Park.

It was one of four homers for the Tigers: two by Cabrera and solo shots by Jhonny Peralta and Prince Fielder.

Detroit starter Max Scherzer had to leave the game after 2 innings of work, allowing an earned run, two hits and two walks, striking out four. He left with shoulder tightness, but later underwent an MRI showing no structural damage. Tigers lefty Darin Downs took the mound after Scherzer, and took the win after 2⅔ shutout innings.

A's rookie A.J. Griffin gave up a career-high five runs in 4⅔ innings, allowing eight hits and a walk, fanning three.

In the third inning, Cabrera smashed a curveball down the left-field line for his 39th homer of the year. Later, he blasted a pitch off Oakland reliever Jesse Chavez for a grand slam. It is the first time Cabrera reaches 40 home runs in a single season.