Tigers clinch AL playoff berth with 2-1 win over Red Sox. Detroit’s division hopes still alive

By: Jimmy Golen, The Associated Press Posted: 5:48 PM CDT Saturday, Sep. 27, 2025 Last Modified: 10:01 PM CDT Saturday, Sep. 27, 2025

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BOSTON (AP) — Jamhai Jones hit a two-run single to rally Detroit from an early deficit, and the Tigers beat the Boston Red Sox 2-1 on Saturday to clinch a spot in the American League playoffs.

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BOSTON (AP) — Jamhai Jones hit a two-run single to rally Detroit from an early deficit, and the Tigers beat the Boston Red Sox 2-1 on Saturday to clinch a spot in the American League playoffs.

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BOSTON (AP) — Jamhai Jones hit a two-run single to rally Detroit from an early deficit, and the Tigers beat the Boston Red Sox 2-1 on Saturday to clinch a spot in the American League playoffs.

Less than 24 hours after the Red Sox sealed their postseason berth, the Tigers claimed at least a wild card. Detroit still could win the AL Central title but needs a victory Sunday at Boston and a Cleveland loss to Texas.

Kyle Montero and four relievers held Boston to seven hits. Tyler Holton (6-5) got four outs for the win and Will Vest pitched the ninth for his 23rd save.

Detroit Tigers' Javier Báez (28) slides safely into home plate as Boston Red Sox catcher Carlos Narváez attempts the out during the fifth inning of a baseball game, Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Mark Stockwell)

The Tigers (87-74) led the division by 14 games in July and still held a 9 1/2-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 15 1/2 games back on July 8, are 17-4 since Sept. 5 and hold the head-to-head tiebreaker against Detroit after winning their season series.

Key moment

With two on and two out and one run already in, David Hamilton sent a checked-swing blooper toward left field, but Detroit shortstop Javier Báez made a leaping catch to save a run.

Key stat

Red Sox rookie Connelly Early (1-2) gave up a leadoff single to Jones before retiring the next 13 batters. The 25-year-old lefty, making his fourth career start, allowed two runs and four hits in five innings.

Up next

The Detroit Tigers celebrate in the locker room after defeating the Boston Red Sox and clinching a spot in the playoffs, Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Mark Stockwell)

The Red Sox are expected to go with a bullpen game Sunday in the regular-season finale. Detroit had ace Tarik Skubal (13-6) lined up for that game but will save him instead for the postseason opener Tuesday.

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AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb