Indians Clinch AL Central Title

Mark Ellis struck out swinging to end a 6-2 loss for the Oakland A's, and to start the celebration for the Indians, who officially claimed the American League Central division title yesterday. Champagne sprayed as Cleveland's signature whipped-cream victory pies flew through the air on the last night of the Indians' final homestand, reports the Cleveland Plain Dealer.

Jake Westbrook posted nine strikeouts in seven innings for the Indians, and Grady Sizemore went four-for-four with a triple and two RBIs. Oakland rookie Dallas Braden gave up all six of Cleveland's runs in the first four innings before leaving the game saddled with the loss. The Indians have gone 27-9 since mid-August.