Indians 7, Tigers 4

Cleveland – Travis Hafner hit a three-run homer, and Cleveland unloaded for four homers off Justin Verlander.

Now 19-5 since Aug. 25, the Indians pushed their lead in the AL Central to 61â2 games over second-place Detroit, which may have needed to sweep the three-game series to have any shot of catching Cleveland.

The best the Tigers can do now is salvage today’s finale, but that won’t be easy with C.C. Sabathia set to start for Cleveland.

The Indians dropped their magic number to five for clinching the division and their first playoff appearance since 2001.

Franklin Gutierrez hit a two-run homer, and Victor Martinez and Ryan Garko added solo shots off Verlander (17-6), who never had given up four homers before and lost for just the second time in nine starts.

Yankees 12, Orioles 0

New York – Mike Mussina limited Baltimore to three singles over seven innings, and Doug Mientkiewicz hit a three-run homer. New York closed within 21â2 games of the Red Sox.

Angels 2, Devil Rays 1

Anaheim, Calif. – John Lackey took a four-hit shutout into the ninth inning.

Blue Jays 4, Red Sox 3

Toronto – A.J. Burnett came within one out of a complete game.

Twins 4, Rangers 2

Minneapolis – Torii Hunter drove in two runs to set his career high for a season, and Minnesota again took advantage of shaky defense by Texas.

Mariners 8, Athletics 7

Oakland, Calif. – Raul Ibanez hit a grand slam.

Late Monday game

Angels 10, Devil Rays 7

Anaheim, Calif. – Chone Figgins and Casey Kotchman each had three hits and two RBIs.