The Tigers Roar Back

A lack of timely hitting and a devastating Detroit bullpen combined to defeat the Yankees 4-3 on Thursday. New York had plenty of opportunities against Justin Verlander, pounding seven hits and drawing four walks over the first five-plus innings, but apart from Johnny Damon’s three-run homer, they could not deliver the big blow.

After Verlander ran the count to 1-1 against Robinson Cano in the sixth, Jim Leyland pulled him and brought in Jamie Walker with a runner on. Walker got Cano to hit into a double play and the Tiger’s bullpen proceeded to retire seven-consecutive Yankees before Hideki Matsui led off the ninth with a single.

New York opted to forgo the bunt and swing away and after Todd Jones struck out Jorge Posada, he got Robinson Cano to fly out after eight pitches. That left Damon up with a chance for some real magic, but he popped up to short-center and Detroit had the victory.

The series now heads back to Detroit with Randy Johnson facing Kenny Rogers in the pivotal Game Three.

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By Peter Trinkle on October 5, 2006 4:36 PM

Comments [rss]

tien

ricky, i suppose you win either way.

ricky

Kind of a double edged sword here. I hate that they lost, but I have tickets to a potential game 5. Such a conflict...

MetFanatic

Everyone should stay out of the Bronx. You need a tetanus shot just to pass through that hole.

Elderta

Shut your mouth, El Cap! I live in the South Bronx. God knows I don't need anybody come looking for me! :)

El Capitan

Anyway, it's just baseball, right? Ha!

El Capitan

Elderta, you are right: some people need to stay out of the South Bronx, lest the South Bronx come to *you*.

Elderta

I understand. I stay out of Met/Yankee fights. One can get seriously hurt.

smitty

Waaaaah.

Yankees are still #1. Go Yankees!

El Capitan

Elderta, I was directing my comment to "Metfanatic," who, considering the history that the Yankees and Mets have had, should be more careful with running his/her mouth.

And, yes, the series is now more interesting, now that it is tied at one.

Elderta

I don't hate the Yankees. I just like the Tigers better, El Capitan. Come on, it's one game... doesn't it make it more exciting to make the Yanks work for it?