Tigers lose big, division race down to final day

DETROIT, Mich.--Today began with the same possibilities as Friday for the Detroit Tigers. If they beat the Twins, and if the Royals lost in Chicago, the Tigers would clinch the AL Central title.

As on Friday, the drama collapsed by mid-game. When the Twins finished constructing a six-run fifth with nothing but singles, it was time to prepare for final-day drama Sunday: David Price against Twins right-hander Kyle Gibson (13-11, 4.50 ERA).

Minnesota won, 12-3, at quiet Comerica Park. Boos were unleashed as Eduardo Escobar hit a three-run homer in the eighth on an 0-2 pitch from Robbie Ray to increase Minnesota's lead to 10 runs. Escobar, filling in for injured Trevor Plouffe at third base, had six RBIs for the game. Right-hander Ricky Nolasco, who's had a rough first season for Minnesota, stymied the Tigers for the second time this month.

The Tigers' world-championship chances suffered a potentially significant blow when centerfielder Rajai Davis, who has added speed to their offense, left the game with an apparent leg injury while batting or running to first in the second inning. The club announced he had suffered a "grade 1 pubic symphysis sprain" and offered no forecast on how long he would be out.

Despite this defeat, the Tigers could clinch the division with a win over the Twins Sunday, presuming the Royals don't rally to win tonight.

For the second straight night, the Tigers' bullpen couldn't keep the game close and raised questions about who the middle and long relievers will be for the playoffs.

The Tigers, if they win the division, will play a best-of-five series against Baltimore. If not, they play in the wild-card game at home Tuesday (likely against Oakland). They could have a tie-breaker against the Royals on Monday at Comerica Park.

Down 1-0, the Twins loaded the bases in the fifth on three soft singles. Brian Dozier singled in the tying run with one out, and Joe Mauer drove in the go-ahead run on a groundout. With first base open and two out, Kyle Lobstein intentionally walked switch-hitting cleanup man Kennys Vargas.

Up came backup catcher Eric Fryer, who entered the game in the first inning in place of starting catcher Josmil Pinto, who became ill.

Fyrer, a product of Ohio State, stepped in with three RBIs in 72 at-bats this season. He sent Lobstein's 1-0 pitch beyond the reach of leaping second baseman Ian Kinsler for a 4-1 lead. Escobar added a two-run single off Phil Coke to cap the inning.

John Lowe writes for the Detroit Free Press, a Gannett property.