By Dave Hart
LocalSportsJournal.com
Mets 3, Tigers 1 – Neil Walker’s two-run homer in the ninth inning led the New York Mets over the Tigers on Sunday afternoon.
The Tigers closed out their nine-game home stand with a 7-2 record and will head out west for the final time this season for a six-game trip.
Detroit’s starting pitcher Anibal Sanchez tossed a strong game despite getting a no-decision. He allowed one run on four hits while striking out 10 batters in eight innings.
Ian Kinsler knocked in the Tigers lone run while J.D. Martinez chipped in with a double.
The Tigers are now 61-50 on the season, good for second place in the American League 
Central Division behind the first-place Cleveland Indians. They are tied with the Boston Red Sox for the final playoff spot.
Detroit will open a three-game series on the road against the Seattle Mariners starting on Monday night.
Record: 61-50
Tied for 2nd Place in AL Central Division (2 games behind first-place Cleveland)
Tied with Boston for the last playoff spot
Magic # to clinch a playoff spot: 53
Magic # to clinch an AL Central Division title: 55
Next Game: 08/08/2016 @ Seattle Mariners 10:10 p.m. @ Safeco Field
Hitting stats: Ian Kinsler RBI (62), J.D. Martinez 2B (22).
Pitching stats: Francisco Rodriguez L (1-2) .1 IP 1 H 2 R 2 ER 0 BB 0 K, Anibal Sanchez 8 IP 4 H 1 R 1 ER 0 BB 10 K.
