Tigers 7, Yankees 2
DETROIT (WWJ/AP) - Justin Verlander struck out 14 on the way to a Detroit Tigers victory over the New York Yankees 7-2 on Monday.
As heard on 97.1 The Ticket - Verlander (12-7) threw 132 pitches, his most in a regular-season game, and sent the Tigers to their fifth straight win.
Prince Fielder got things started for the Tigers hitting a solo homer in the second inning and Miguel Cabrera followed suit in the fourth inning and Detroit was up 2-0.
The Yankees tied it up in the fifth inning when Verlander gave up two unearned runs after his fielding error extended the fifth inning.
The Tigers combined to score five runs over the fifth and sixth innings.
Before the game, manager Jim Leyland said the Tigers needed a big effort from Verlander. Detroit is chasing Chicago in the AL Central.
"Hopefully your ace is an ace," Leyland said.
Verlander started strong and didn't let up.
The reigning AL MVP and Cy Young award winner struck out former teammate Curtis Granderson - for the first of three times - with an 85 mph breaking pitch to lead off the game and struck out the first two Yankees in the second inning.
Verlander also fanned Ichiro Suzuki and Mark Teixeira three times each.
Leyland visited Verlander at the mound in the eighth after he gave up a walk to Raul Ibanez, and left him in the game following a brief chat. With many fans on their feet, Verlander responded by striking out Nick Swisher, Eric Chavez and Suzuki to tie his strikeout high set last year against Arizona.
Verlander raised his left hand to acknowledge a roaring, standing ovation as he walked off the field.
Closer Jose Valverde retired the side in order in the ninth.
Detroit has won 19 of its last 23 home games. The AL East-leading Yankees have lost 11 of 17 overall.
Ivan Nova (10-6) was roughed up for seven runs and 11 hits - matching a career high - in 5 1-3 innings.
Verlander allowed the Yankees to score twice in the fifth when Granderson hit a two-out grounder and the pitcher looked down to step on first base as Fielder made an accurate throw that hit his glove. Derek Jeter and Robinson Cano took advantage with RBI singles that made it 2-all.
Tune in to 97.1 The Ticket as the Detroit Tigers take on the N.Y. Yankees for game two of their four game series Tuesday - first pitch is 7:05 p.m.
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(TM and © Copyright 2012 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2012 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
