Tigers Clinch Division with Win over A's

The Detroit Tigers clinched the American League Central on Friday with a 3-1 win over the Oakland Athletics, capturing their first division title since 1987.

The Tigers (88-63) became the first team to win their division this season and joined the Philadelphia Phillies in the postseason. The Phillies, who have already claimed at least a wild card spot, failed to seal the National League East title after losing 4-2 to St. Louis.

It's awesome, it feels awesome, said Tigers first baseman Miguel Cabrera. We've done something for Detroit, for our owner, and I'm happy. We got a long way to go right now. We have to keep winning and try to be ready for the playoffs.

In Boston, Mike Aviles hit a solo home run in the fourth inning to lift the Red Sox to a 4-3 win over the Tampa Bay Rays. Boston extended their lead over the Rays in the AL wild card race to four games, while the LA Angels dropped five behind with an 8-3 loss to Baltimore.

Tigers starting pitcher Doug Fister pitched eight spectacular innings, allowing three hits while striking out five. After giving up back-to-back hits, including a solo home run to Josh Willingham in the first inning, Fister retired 17 consecutive batters.

It's an unbelievable feeling, said Fister. A great group of guys to be around, a great group of guys to fight tooth and nail with. This is what we're living for, this is what we're playing for. Every drop of sweat, every drop of blood, tear, whatever, is what it's all about right now.

Jose Valverde pitched the ninth inning to secure the win with his Major League-leading 45th save.

The Tigers will make their first post-season appearance since 2006 when they qualified as the wild card team and lost the World Series.

Philadelphia's 'magic number' to clinch the NL East is one following the Atlanta Braves' 12-2 loss to the New York Mets.

St. Louis moved to within 3 games of the Braves in the NL wild card race, and the San Francisco Giants trail Atlanta by five after their 9-1 win over Colorado.