MLB: Tigers close in on World Series place with 2-1 win over Yankees

The Detroit Tigers could wrap up their place in the World Series later today after extending their series lead over the Yankees to 3-0.

Detroit starter Justin Verlander lines up a pitch against the New York Yankees in their playoff series.

The Detroit Tigers are just one win away from a place in the World Series after beating the New York Yankees 2-1 on Tuesday night.

Justin Verlander pitched a shutout into the ninth inning as the Tigers survived a late scare to claim a 3-0 lead in the American League Championship Series.

The winner of the series will face either San Francisco or St. Louis in Major League Baseball's championship showcase.

"We put ourselves in a decent position, but that's all we have done," Jim Leyland, the Tigers manager, said afterwards.

Phil Coke gave up consecutive singles with two outs in the ninth before striking out postseason star Raul Ibanez for his second save in two games.

Verlander had allowed only a pair of singles by Ichiro Suzuki and a leadoff homer by Eduardo Nunez in the ninth.

Delmon Young hit a solo home run for the Tigers, while Miguel Cabrera had an RBI double.

The Tigers will try to complete a sweep at home in game four on Wednesday and secure their first trip to the World Series since 2006.

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