Detroit Tigers pitcher Joaquin Benoit, left, and catcher Alex Avila celebrate after Benoit struck out Minnesota Twins’ Josh Willingham to end the baseball game, Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2013, in Minneapolis where the Tigers won 1-0, clinching the American League Central title.MINNEAPOLIS – The Detroit Tigers were soaked in the joy of another division title, jumping around in their matching, drenched T-shirts when Torii Hunter darted from the room.
He came back a few seconds later, bear-hugging an important piece of the party: manager Jim Leyland. “I got Skip! I got Skip! I got Skip!” Hunter yelled.
The gruff old skipper was smiling wide, and he even did a little dance before retreating to his office. The Tigers were sure having fun, and they want to throw a bigger celebration next month.
Max Scherzer earned his 21st win and the Tigers became AL Central champions for the third straight year by beating the Minnesota Twins 1-0 on Wednesday night.
“I just don’t think people realize how hard it is to win,” Leyland said before Hunter nabbed him. The 68-year-old manager’s voice cracked several times as he fought off tears during his postgame interview.