Tigers beat Twins 2-1, nearing AL Central title

Prince Fielder's two-run home run in the eighth inning propelled the Tigers to a 2-1 win over the Twins Sunday at Comerica Park. The Tigers' victory, combined with a White Sox loss, brings Detroit to within one game of capturing their second consecutive American League Central crown.

Both starters provided strong outings for their respective clubs. Liam Hendriks spun seven innings of shutout ball for Minnesota, while the only black mark on Anibal Sanchez's outing came in the bottom of the seventh. Trevor Plouffe led off the frame with a single to shortstop Jhonny Peralta. Jamey Carroll entered the game as a pinch-runner and advanced to second on Alexi Casilla's sac bunt. Pedro Florimon came through with an RBI single to right field, ending Sanchez's night. Reliever Phil Coke came on to close out the frame.

Jared Burton relieved Hendriks in the top of the eighth, and Austin Jackson greeted him with a single to center field. After sending Quintin Berry and Miguel Cabrera back to the bench, Fielder deposited a first-pitch fastball into the left-field stands, giving the Tigers a lead they would not relinquish. Jose Valverde had a clean ninth inning to earn his 34th save of the season.