Tigers, Verlander Beaten By A's

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) - Jason Giambi and Jack Cust broke out of

funks with two-run homers, Dallas Braden ended a four-start winless

stretch and the Oakland Athletics beat the Detroit Tigers 5-1

Wednesday.

Giambi's drive in the sixth off Justin Verlander (8-4) was home

run No. 407, tying him with Duke Snider for 43rd place. Giambi, who

has been dealing with sore legs and entered the game with an

American League-low .197 batting average, was in a 2-for-28 stretch

before the homer after striking out in his first two at-bats.