Yankees-Tigers Preview 8-6-12
(AP) -- The Detroit Tigers have won eight straight at home, but have dropped Justin Verlander's last five regular-season starts against the New York Yankees.
The Tigers hope Verlander can extend their streak while potentially ending his own Monday night as they seek a fifth consecutive victory overall in the opener of a four-game set.
Verlander (11-7, 2.63 ERA) beat New York (63-44) in Game 3 of a division series last year, but he's 0-2 with a 4.91 ERA in his last five outings versus the Yankees in the regular season.
"You gotta score runs when you get the opportunities," Yankees manager Joe Girardi said. "And it seems like when we've had success against Verlander, we've gotten to him early."
The ace right-hander catches a break Monday since he won't face Alex Rodriguez, who is sidelined with a broken left hand after going 4 for 6 with two homers against him this year.
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