BOSTON — Jamhai Jones hit a two-run single to rally the Detroit Tigers from an early deficit, and his team hung on to defeat the Boston Red Sox 2-1 on Saturday, clinching a spot in the American League playoffs for the second consecutive season.
Less than 24 hours after the Red Sox sealed their postseason berth, the Tigers claimed at least a wild card and eliminated the Houston Astros from the race. Detroit still could win the AL Central title but would need help from Cleveland, which played Texas on Saturday night.
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Kyle Montero and four relievers held Boston to one run and seven hits. Tyler Holton (6-5) got four outs for the victory. Will Vest pitched the ninth for his 23rd save.
The Tigers (87-74) led the division by as many as 14 games in July and still held a 9½-game lead on Sept 11 before losses in 12 out of 14 games dropped them into a tie with Cleveland (86-74). The Guardians, who were in fourth place and 15½ games back on July 7, are 17-4 since Sept. 5 and hold the tiebreaker against Detroit.
In Sunday’s series finale, Detroit has ace Tarik Skubal (13-6) lined up for the game, but the Tigers would love to save him for the postseason opener.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
