Tigers take AL Central lead, Rays & Angels win

[September 27, 2012]  (AP) -- Here's how the pennant races look with exactly one week to go:

TIGERS ROAR: The AL Central has a new leader, with Detroit moving past Chicago for the first time since July 23. Andy Dirks' hard slide to break up a double play sent the Tigers past Kansas City 5-4. The White Sox have dropped seven of eight, and fell one game back with a 6-4 loss to Cleveland.

POOL PLAY: Tampa Bay has won seven straight, and hasn't lost since manager Joe Maddon challenged them to run the table like pool hustler Minnesota Fats. The Rays are three games out in the AL wild-card race.

FLYING HIGH: The Angels have won five in row and now trail by just two games in the AL wild-card chase.

GOING, GOING ... GONE?: The Phillies' playoff run is almost over. After winning the NL East crown the past five years, Philadelphia was pushed to the brink of elimination with an 8-4 loss to new division champion Washington.

NEXT UP: The streaking Rays visit the slumping White Sox. James Shields (15-9) starts for Tampa Bay vs. Jake Peavy (11-12).

CHASE CHATTER: "It just feels good to get a win. That's all that really matters. Right now we have to win out to at least give us a chance to make the playoffs. We can't worry who's in front of us." -- Matt Kemp after homering and driving in four runs to help the Dodgers gain ground on St. Louis for the last NL wild-card spot.

[Associated Press]

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