VIDEO: Avila's walkoff single helps Tigers grab series victory over Yankees

Alex Avila's walkoff single off reliever Shawn Kelley on Thursday afternoon helped the Detroit Tigers secure a series victory over the New York Yankees while keeping pace with the division-leading Kansas City Royals.

Kelley entered Thursday's series finale in the bottom of the ninth inning and immediately found himself in trouble, yielding a leadoff double to Victor Martinez before walking J.D. Martinez and prompting a visit from pitching coach Larry Rothschild.

The 30-year-old right-hander responded with aplomb, striking out Nick Castellanos and Torii Hunter in succession to come within one out of escaping the jam. Avila, however, picked up his teammates by driving an 88 mph slider off the wall in right field to plate pinch-runner Bryan Holaday and secure a 3-2 victory.

Kelley was understandably dejected after Thursday's performance, his first appearance since Aug. 23.