Latest Tigers Win Is Exciting to Leyland

Jim Leyland is as excited as he was when he was 28 years old and managing Clinton to a first-place finish in the Midwest League.

Whether it’s the major leagues or the minors, a young man or a graying veteran, there’s nothing to compare with having your team in first place in a tight pennant race in September.

“It’s the same gut-wrenching, holding your breath,” the 61-year-old manager of the Detroit Tigers said. “I don’t think it will ever go away.”

Sean Casey hit a two-run home run in the sixth inning for a 4-3 lead and the Tigers beat the Kansas City Royals, 7-3, on Friday night to take a 1 1/2 -game lead over Minnesota in the Central Division.

“Anybody who says you don’t get excited, that your heart doesn’t beat a little faster in this situation, I would never believe that,” Leyland said.

“I just don’t buy that. They talk about managers, they say look how calm he is. You try to keep your composure at all times. Sometimes you lose it.”

The Twins lost, 7-3, in Baltimore, and probably wish the Tigers did not have five games left with Kansas City.

Detroit improved to 12-1 this season against the Royals. After two more games in Kansas City, they finish the season at home with three against Toronto and three more with the Royals, who must win five of their last nine to avoid a third straight 100-loss season.

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ROUNDUP

New York 4, at Tampa Bay 1: The Yankees kept rolling in pursuit of the league’s best record and home-field advantage in the playoffs. Mariano Rivera pitched the ninth inning and earned his 34th save in his first appearance since Aug. 31.

at Baltimore 7, Minnesota 3: Daniel Cabrera (8-10), who took a four-hitter into the seventh inning, earned his first victory since Aug. 25 and improved to 5-1 against the Twins.

Boston 7, at Toronto 1: Julian Tavarez gave up seven hits in the second complete game of his career. Alex Gonzalez doubled twice and drove in three runs for the Red Sox.

at Texas 12, Cleveland 4: Mark Teixeira ended a seven-for-45 slump with three run-scoring hits to go over 100 runs batted in for the third consecutive season.

Seattle 11, at Chicago 6: Richie Sexson hit two home runs for the Mariners, who scored six runs in the second inning.