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Saturday, 17 September, 2011 2:05 PM

Detroit Tigers are 2011 AL Central Champions

PHOTO BY JASON RZUCIDLO / ©AMERICAJR.com Detroit Tigers Manager Jim Leyland spoke to the Detroit Economic Club on April 27, 2011.

by Garrett Godwin ggodwin82@yahoo.com

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DETROIT -- Though their 12-game winning streak came to an end the previous night, the Detroit Tigers roared with revenge Friday night to beat the Oakland A's 3-1 to clinch the American League (AL) Central Division for the first time since 1987 as well as earning a post-season spot in five years.

Highlights of the game includes Tigers pitcher Doug Fisher's five strikeouts and giving up a run throughout the eight innings, where, in the top of the third, Don Kelly's RBI single get Ramon Santiago to tied the game at one, which was broken in the sixth thanks a triple from Wilson Betemit, as Jhonny Peralta gives Detroit the 2-1 lead. Kelly hit his fifth home run in the next inning, and it was now 3-1.

The game -- and title -- was sealed for the Detroit Tigers in the ninth, where Josh Willingham hit a grounder to third base, and Jose Valverde his 45th save.

It might be a time of celebration, but the Tigers still have 11 more regular games, not to mention the opportunity to have the second AL seed spot, for whichever team has it gets home field advantage against the AL Wild Card on September 30 and October 1.

The Tigers' series with the A's continues Saturday and Sunday at 4:05p. Tickets are already on sale for the first round of the postseason.

For more information on the Detroit Tigers or to purchase tickets, visit www.detroittigers.com.

Related Story: Detroit Tigers Manager Jim Leyland says the team is off to a good start

 

PHOTO BY JASON RZUCIDLO / ©AMERICAJR.com

Detroit Tigers Outfielder Brennan Boesch answers a question from a fan during the DEC meeting.

 

PHOTO BY JASON RZUCIDLO / ©AMERICAJR.com

Victor Martinez hit a home run for Detroit during the L.A. Angels-Tigers game on July 28, 2011.

 

PHOTO BY JASON RZUCIDLO / ©AMERICAJR.com

Don Kelly was the ninth to bat for Detroit during the L.A. Angels-Tigers game on July 28, 2011.

 

PHOTO BY JASON RZUCIDLO / ©AMERICAJR.com

Brennan Boesch swings for Detroit during the S.F. Giants-Tigers game on July 1, 2011.

 

PHOTO BY JASON RZUCIDLO / ©AMERICAJR.com

Jhonny Peralta was next to bat Detroit during the S.F. Giants-Tigers game on July 1, 2011.