Fireworks Display at Friday's Detroit Tigers game

Display location:Comerica Park
City:DETROIT
State:MI
Date:Oct.2

Details: DETROIT - As per schedule, the fireworks went off following Friday's Detroit Tigers game at Comerica Park.

The arrival of such explosiveness was long overdue.

There's been little in the way of big blows lately from Tiger bats and if that situation doesn't change this weekend, the Tigers are in danger of blowing up a magical season.

More and more with each passing day it appears the Tigers, who've been on top of the American League Central since May 10, might not be in first place at the end of the most important day of the season.

That would be Sunday, the last day of regular-season play.

While the ever-charging Minnesota Twins were getting it done, outscoring the Kansas City Royals 10-7, the Tigers were getting done in, run 8-0 by the Chicago White Sox before 34,726 who came to celebrate and went home awash with concern.

And then it was one.

Detroit's lead atop the division, that is. One game ahead with two to play.

``We have to find a way to win these next two games,'' Tigers first baseman Miguel Cabrera said. ``We know we have to win.''

It would help their cause if guys like Cabrera, who get paid millions to produce runs, could actually get the ball out of the infield.

Three times Friday he came to bat with a runner on base. He struck out once and popped out the other two at-bats

``We've got to get some runs,'' Tigers manager Jim Leyland lamented. ``We haven't scored any runs the last two games.''

By the time Friday's drubbing was finalized, Clay Rapada was on the mound for Detroit, Brent Dlugach was at second base, Don Kelly at third base and Alex Avila behind the plate.

A month ago, if someone told you that the Tigers would be fielding second- stringers and September call-ups in the final games of the season, you would have expected a good feeling in the pit of your stomach.

So what's with the acid reflux that's shifting into overdrive?

Maybe it's the reality that the Tigers can't seem to close this deal.

Maybe it's the haunting memories of 2006.

Three years ago, the Tigers moved into first May 16, but their drive to the division title was halted by a season-ending five-game home losing streak, allowing the Twins to slip in and sneak away with the AL Central title.

True, Detroit did settle for the wild card and a wild ride that led to an AL title and a World Series loss to the St. Louis Cardinals, but that was then.

This time around, there will be no lovely parting gift for the Tigers.

It's win or go home empty-handed.

``I told them, `You guys aren't going to get any help,' '' Leyland said of his players. `` `If you want the division, you've got to win two games.' ''

The Twins, who started their final homestand at the Metrodome on Friday, might discover that this weekend won't be farewell to the Hefty bags in the outfield.

At the very least, there could be a one-game playoff there for the AL Central title, which would likely be held Tuesday.

Or, post-season baseball could be destined for Minnesota.

The good news for the Tigers is that 16-8 Zack Greinke, Kansas City's Cy Young Award candidate, takes the hill Saturday against the Twins.

Three years ago, he won one of three season-ending games for the Royals at Comerica Park to cost Detroit its title, so if you believe in karma, perhaps he owes the Tigers one.

The saddest news is that right now Greinke looks like Detroit's best hope.

Well, at least the fireworks lit it up.