The Detroit Tigers fought off a late-season slump and clinched their first playoff berth since 1987, scoring nine runs in the second inning on Sunday and coasting to an 11-4 win over the Kansas City Royals.
Enjoying a turnaround season under manager Jim Leyland, Detroit assured itself of no worse than the American League wild-card berth and headed into the final week of the season with a 1 1/2-game lead in the AL Central Division.
Angels 7, Athletics 1
In Oakland, California, Ervin Santana pitched eight strong innings, Vladimir Guerrero hit a two-run homer and the Los Angeles Angels kept the Oakland Athletics from winning the AL West Division for the second straight day with a 7-1 victory on Sunday.
Twins 6, Orioles 3
In Baltimore, Joe Mauer and Phil Nevin hit two-run homers, and the Twins moved closer to sealing a playoff berth. Any combination of Minnesota wins or losses by the Chicago White Sox totaling two will send the Twins to the playoffs.
White Sox 12, Mariners 7
In Chicago, Paul Konerko hit two home runs and the White Sox tied a season high with five total. With their playoff hopes flickering, the defending World Series champions won for the third time in 10 games.
Devil Rays 11, Yankees 4
In St. Petersburg, Florida, Mike Mussina was hit on the glove hand by Carl Crawford's liner and left the Yankees' loss in the fifth inning.
Blue Jays 13, Red Sox 4
In Toronto, the Blue Jays overcame David Ortiz's league-leading 53rd homer and took advantage of awful outfield defense to close within a half-game of second-place.
Indians 11, Rangers 6
In Arlington, Texas, Grady Sizemore hit two home runs, including an inside-the-park homer for his major league-leading 90th extra-base hit, and the Indians spoiled the Rangers' home finale.
Chase Utley homered twice and drove in four runs, and the surging Philadelphia Phillies overcame a four-run deficit to beat the Florida Marlins 10-7 on Sunday for their fifth straight win.
Jimmy Rollins, Chris Coste and Utley homered during a seven-run third inning, with Coste hitting a tiebreaking three-run drive.
Padres 2, Pirates 1
In San Diego, Trevor Hoffman became the Major League Baseball career saves leader, earning No. 479 to pass Lee Smith and help the NL West-leading Padres get the win.
Dodgers 5, Diamondbacks 1
In Los Angeles, Nomar Garciaparra hit a grand slam with two outs in the bottom of the ninth inning to give the Dodgers the win. Garciaparra hit a 2-1 pitch from Luis Vizcaino (4-6) over the left-center field fence for his 19th homer of the season.
Rockies 9, Braves 8
In Denver, the Braves' streak of 14 straight postseason appearances ended with a loss to the Rockies, who got a grand slam from Matt Holliday.
Brewers 5, Giants 3
In Milwaukee, Ben Sheets pitched eight solid innings, Mike Rivera hit a bases-clearing double in the sixth and the Brewers completed a four-game sweep.
Nationals 5, Mets 1
In New York, Tony Armas Jr. won for the first time in seven starts to lead the Nationals to the victory. Armas pitched six strong innings for his first win since Aug. 18.
Reds 3, Cubs 2
In Cincinnati, Royce Clayton's pinch-hit single in the ninth inning drove in Chris Denorfia and lifted the Reds to the win. The Cubs led 2-1 in the ninth but Ryan Dempster (1-9) had his ninth blown save of the season.
Astros 7, Cardinals 3
At Houston, Roger Clemens struck out six in his final home start of the season and Aubrey Huff hit a three-run homer as the Astros completed a four-game sweep.
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