Minneapolis, MN (Sports Network) - Prince Fielder blasted a two-run homer in
the eighth inning as the Detroit Tigers moved closer to clinching the AL
Central title with a 2-1 win over the Minnesota Twins in the rubber match of a
three-game series at Target Field.
The Tigers reduced their magic number for securing the division title to two.
Fielder's 30th home run of the season, an opposite-field shot to left, was
given up by Minnesota reliever Jared Burton (3-2) with two outs. Burton, who
replaced starter Liam Hendriks prior to the inning, had retired two batters in
a row after allowing a leadoff single to Austin Jackson.
Octavio Dotel pitched out of a jam in the bottom of the eighth, getting Pedro
Florimon to fly out to left field with men on the corners. Jose Valverde then
pitched the ninth for his 34th save.
The Sports Network