The Detroit Tigers took Game 1 of the ALCS over the Boston Red Sox, nearly recording a combined no-hitter in the process.

With one out in the ninth inning, Daniel Nava singled off Joaquin Benoit to add drama to a 1-0 game.

"At this point, especially in this series, it's not about throwing a no-hitter," starter Anibal Sanchez said. "As soon as you get some zeroes ... it's more important. It's more important than the no-hitter at this point."

Sanchez struck out 12 batters over six no-hit innings, but was pulled after throwing 116 pitches. He walked six batters.

Al Alburquerque, Jose Veras, Drew Smyly and Benoit finished the job.

"You give up one run and you like your chances," said Jon Lester, who allowed six hits and a walk, striking out four in 6 1/3 innings. "It was a great game. That was playoff baseball."