Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Justin Verlander (35) pitches against the New York Yankees during the first inning at Comerica Park. (Rick Osentoski-US PRESSWIRE)
Detroit, MI (Sports Network) - Prince Fielder and Miguel Cabrera provided the
early thunder with solo homers and the Detroit Tigers broke it open with a
parade of singles to back Justin Verlander's 14 strikeouts in a 7-2 victory
over the New York Yankees to start a four-game set at Comerica Park.
Verlander (12-7) snapped a two-start skid and beat the Yankees for the first
time in three tries this season. He didn't figure into the decision of a 7-6
setback on April 27 and took the loss in a 5-1 defeat on June 3, allowing a
total of nine runs -- seven earned -- in 12 innings.
On Monday, the All-Star right-hander gave up eight hits and a pair of unearned
runs -- thanks to his own error -- and tied a career high in strikeouts over
eight innings. He issued one walk and threw 132 pitches.
The Tigers supported him with 13 hits, including 11 singles, to win their
ninth straight at home and fifth in a row overall. They were coming off a
weekend sweep of Cleveland.
Ivan Nova (10-6) continued to struggle for New York. He gave up a career-high
nine runs in five innings of a loss to Baltimore in his last outing and on
Monday was tagged for seven runs on 11 hits in 5 1/3 innings. The right-hander
is just 1-4 in his last nine starts.
Eric Chavez went 3-for-4 with a pair of doubles in defeat, while Derek Jeter
and Robinson Cano each picked up a pair of hits and an RBI. The Yankees had
won three of four entering the contest.
The Sports Network