Scherzer’s escape, Martinez’s disputed HR help Tigers rally past A’s 8-6 to force Game 5

DETROIT – Max Scherzer escaped a major jam in relief and the Detroit Tigers — helped by two fans who reached out to reel in Victor Martinez’s disputed home run — rallied past the Oakland Athletics 8-6 on Tuesday to force a decisive fifth game in their AL division series.

Playing catch-up most of the way, the Tigers tied it first with Jhonny Peralta’s three-run homer in the fifth inning and then on Martinez’s solo shot in the seventh. A couple of fans tried to catch Martinez’s drive, and at least one of them bobbled the ball as he reached over the railing above the wall — preventing right fielder Josh Reddick from having any chance at a leaping grab.

Reddick and centre fielder Coco Crisp immediately protested, pointing up at the stands in the hope of a fan-interference call. But umpires upheld the home run after a replay review.