DETROIT – It took the Detroit Tigers all 162 games to clinch the AL Central Division, but a 3-0 win over the Minnesota Twins gave Detroit its fourth straight title Sunday afternoon.
David Price came through in his biggest start as a Tiger, shutting out the Twins for 7 1/3 innings. Price struck out eight hitters to finish the season as the AL's leader in strikeouts.
Joba Chamberlain came in and got two huge outs in the 8th.
Ian Kinsler got the scoring started with a solo home run in the bottom of the third inning, and that was the only run for either team until the 8th inning.
The Tigers rallied for two insurance runs in the bottom of the 8th, which started at the bottom of the order with Andrew Romine and Ezequiel Carrera reaching base. Kinsler brought in the second run with a single, and Torii Hunter added a sac fly.
Joe Nathan came in and closed out the Twins in a perfect ninth inning for his 35th save.
The Tigers will travel to Baltimore to battle the AL East champion Orioles in the ALDS. The first game will be on Thursday, with Game 2 on Friday, also in Baltimore.
Detroit will host its first playoff game of 2014 on Sunday, in Game 3.
The Royals will host the wildcard game on Tuesday, with the winner traveling to Los Angeles Thursday to battle the Angels in the other ALDS matchup.