FLYING HIGH
Separated by 250 miles of canadian farmland and two games in the American League East standings, the Toronto Blue Jays and the Detroit Tigers joined battle at
vault.si.comthat year Detroit Tigers seized the AL East behind a late surge, securing the division by the final series against Toronto, as the Blue Jays blew a late lead, as Detroit swept them, locking in their collapse that allowed the Tigers to reach the playoffs. Detroit benefited from timely clutch moments, including timely late-inning scoring, and a decisive bullpen effort, as Toronto faded in the season's denouement. This period became known for a notable pennant-race collapse in the division, and Detroit ultimately prevailed.