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Indians closing in on division title vs. Athletics

Sep 22, 2007 - 1:01 PM Oakland (74-81) at Cleveland (91-62) 7:05 pm EDT

CLEVELAND (Ticker) - The Cleveland Indians will try to move one step closer to locking up the American League Central Division title when they host the Oakland Athletics in the middle game of a three-game series on Saturday.

The Indians magic number to clinch the division is two with the Detroit Tigers (84-70) sitting in second-place, 7 1/2 games back.

Before Cleveland pops the cork on the champagne bottles, it will have to solve Athletics ace Dan Haren (14-8, 3.12 ERA).

Haren, who was named the American League starting pitcher in the All-Star Game after posting a 10-3 record with a 2.30 ERA in the first half of the season, has seen his fortunes flip in the second half, registering a 4-5 record with a 4.43 ERA - including losses in his last four decisions.

During his last start, Haren allowed four runs - three earned - and 10 hits over eight innings. The 27-year-old righthander struck out six and walked one as the Athletics endured a 4-0 loss at Seattle. The Indians will counter with Paul Byrd (15-6, 4.36), who has won five of his last seven starts.

Byrd took a no-decision in his last start, surrendering five runs - four earned - and 10 hits over 7 1/3 innings as the Indians notched a 6-5 win over the Detroit Tigers on Monday.