Verlander Stops Yanks, Tigers Grab 2-1 Series Lead

Tiger's ace Justin Verlander hurled eight strong innings to lead Detroit to a 5-4 win on Monday night and give his team a 2-1 series lead in the best-of-five American League Division Series.

The Yankees countered with their best pitcher, C.C. Sabathia, who allowed seven hits and four earned runs in just 5 1/3 innings.

With Detroit leading 4-2 with two outs in the 7th, Verlander walked Jorge Posada, then hit Russell Martin. Brett Gardner delivered a game tying double to keep the Yankees alive.

But, the tie didn't last long, as Tigers' outfielder Delmon Young smashed a solo home run in the bottom half of the inning in what proved to be the game winner.

New York had the tying and go ahead runs on base with two outs in the 9th, but Derek Jeter ended the game with a strike out against Tigers' closer Jose Valverde.

A.J. Burnett will try to keep New York's season alive tonight as he squares off against Detroit's Rick Porcello.