In the rubber game of the three-game series with the Detroit Tigers, the Tigers (69-46) send Justin Verlander (12-8, 3.50) to the mound and the Yankees (58-57) send Andy Pettitte (7-9, 4.71).
In Verlander’s previous start at Cleveland, the 2011 Cy Young and Most Valuable Player award winner went eight innings. He gave up one run on four hits while striking out seven.
In 14 career starts against the New York Yankees, Justin Verlander is 5-5 with a 3.74 ERA. Justin Verlander faced the Yankees on April 7 this season at Detroit. The Yankees were victorious by a score of 7-0. Verlander went 7.1 innings, allowing three runs on seven hits with two walks and four strikeouts. Jayson Nix hit a home run off of him in that game.
Batters to watch vs. Verlander:
Ichiro Suzuki – 18 for 58 (.310), 1 BB, 1 HR, 6 RBI
Alex Rodriguez – 8 for 24 (.333), 4 BB, 3 HR, 7 RBI
In Pettitte’s previous start at Chicago, the veteran left-hander had his shortest outing of the season. He lasted just 2.2 innings and allowed seven runs on 11 hits.
In 23 career starts against the Detroit Tigers, Andy Pettitte is 10-9 with a 3.66 ERA. He has not faced the Tigers in the 2013 season.
Batters to watch vs. Pettitte:
Miguel Cabrera – 4 for 12 (.333), 2 HR, 3 RBI
Torii Hunter – 6 for 23 (.261), 3 BB, 1 HR, 11 RBI
Series Summary:
8/9 – Yankees win 4-3
8/10 – Tigers win 9-3
Notes
*Ichiro has a five-game hitting streak entering today. (7 for 16)
*Robinson Cano is one home run away from 200 career home runs.
