Twins stall Tigers first division title in 22 years

DETROIT – Scott Baker got plenty of run support as he pitched the Minnesota Twins to a testy 8-3 victory over Detroit in the American League on Thursday, preventing the Tigers from clinching their first division title in 22 years.

Minnesota avoided elimination from the playoff race and moved within two games of the first-place Tigers with three to play.

The teams split the four-game series. Next up, Detroit hosts the Chicago White Sox this weekend. The Twins get last-place Kansas City at home.

Tempers flared late in the game when Detroit manager Jim Leyland was ejected during a face-to-face argument with umpire Angel Hernandez in the eighth inning after Minnesota’s Jose Mijares threw behind Adam Everett.

Both benches and bullpens emptied in the ninth after Tigers pitcher Jeremy Bonderman hit Delmon Young in the leg. An angry Young slammed his helmet to the ground and shouted toward Detroit’s dugout, but there was no pushing or punching.

At Anaheim, California, Chris Davis homered and drove in three runs, and Julio Borbon triggered a six-run sixth inning with a go-ahead RBI single as Texas beat the playoff-bound Los Angeles Angels, 11-3.

Kevin Millwood (13-10) recorded his 20th career complete game and third this season. He gave up two earned runs and seven hits in his season finale, tying a season high with 10 strikeouts. He also threw a season-high 122 pitches. (AP)