OAKLAND, Calif. — After watching Max Scherzer breeze through a spectacular playoff opener, Detroit closer Joaquin Benoit began talking big.

“We took the first step,” Benoit said. “It’s great. I feel like we’re already on the verge of the World Series again.”

The Tigers sure looked ready for another special October run, using a dominant performance by Scherzer to beat the Oakland Athletics 3-2 in the AL division series on Friday night.

Scherzer overpowered the A’s with his blazing fastball, and then baffled them with his off-speed stuff. The right-hander struck out 11 over seven innings as the Tigers grabbed Game 1 of this playoff rematch from 2012.

Miguel Cabrera helped stake Detroit to an early lead before the banged-up slugger left in the eighth as a precaution.

“We won the game, I think that’s the more important thing right now,” Cabrera said. “For us, it’s not an issue. It’s no time to complain, no time to worry.”