Tigers' number trimmed to 22, thanks to A's win over Indians

Despite the 11-8 loss to the Kansas City Royals, the Detroit Tigers moved one step closer to the AL Central crown with the help of the Oakland A's shutting out the Cleveland Indians Thursday, 7-0. With the magic number now at 22, the Tigers now have to contend with two teams hot on their trail as the Chicago White Sox & the Indians (both 68-66) are 5 1/2 games behind.

Justin Verlander takes the mound Friday night against the White Sox at Comerica Park, who is looking for his 21st win while looking to improve his ERA that is currently under 2.4 for the season. Meanwhile in other divisions.......

AL EAST - With the N.Y. Yankees' 4-2 win over the Boston Red Sox, they are now just a 1/2 game behind Boston with the Red Sox holding on their magic number 27.

AL WEST - With the Rangers & the L.A. Angels winning their respective games last night, Texas' magic number reduces to 22.

AL WILD CARD - With Tampa Bay losing to Texas 7-2, the N.Y. Yankees move closer to the playoffs as their magic number goes down to 19.

NL EAST - Philadelphia & Atlanta won their respective games last night, therefore the Phillies' magic number goes down to 22.

NL CENTRAL - Milwaukee's magic number stalls at 18, thanks to the St. Louis Cardinals defeating them, 8-4 and thus, moving 7 1/2 games behind the Brewers.

NL WEST - Both Arizona & San Francisco won today, therefore the Diamondbacks' magic number is 20 entering their weekend series showdown with the Giants.

NL WILD CARD - With Atlanta & St. Louis winning, the Braves' magic number goes down to 18.


TODAY'S KEY GAMES (9/2/11)
Chi. White Sox at Detroit - 7 pm
Toronto at N.Y. Yankees - 7 pm
Texas at Boston - 7 pm
Baltimore at Tampa Bay - 7 pm
Philadelphia at Florida - 7 pm
L.A. Dodgers at Atlanta - 7:30 pm
Milwaukee at Houston - 8 pm
Cleveland at Kansas City - 8 pm
Cincinnati at St. Louis - 8 pm
Minnesota at L.A. Angels - 10 pm
Arizona at San Francisco - 10 pm