McCarthy strikes out 10, leads A’s past Tigers 3-1

OAKLAND, Calif. — Brandon McCarthy matched a career high with 10 strikeouts after missing his last start with a sore right shoulder, leading the Oakland Athletics past the Detroit Tigers 3-1 on Saturday night.

The A’s opening-day starter scattered four hits in seven innings to quiet fears of another serious injury setback. McCarthy (3-3) had struck out 10 batters only twice before.

Jonny Gomes, Cliff Pennington and Daric Barton each drove in a run for Oakland.

Doug Fister’s scoreless streak ended at 11 innings when Gomes grounded a single to left field in the first. Fister (0-1) struck out eight in six innings, allowing five hits and one run.

Detroit has dropped four of six to start its nine-game road trip.