CLEVELAND — The Detroit Tigers controlled first place in the American League Central for 154 days in a row.
Overall, the Tigers were in first place for 175 of the first 181 days in MLB's 186-day calendar — until a 5-1 loss on the 182nd day to the Cleveland Guardians on Wednesday, Sept. 24, at Progressive Field. It was the second clash between AL Central rivals in the three-game series.
There are just four games (and four days) remaining in MLB's season.
"It's painful," manager A.J. Hinch said after Wednesday's loss. "I'm having a hard time coming up with words, obviously. I know that's not always that acceptable or the norm, but what I'm seeing out of our team is not normal, but unfortunately, it's our reality." THE OTHER SIDE: Guardians have found magic touch, evicting Tigers