September 11, 1996: Yankees defeat Tigers 7-3

After a close slugfest last night, the Yankees came out tonight and won in more comfortable fashion by defeating the Tigers 7-3. Jimmy Key got the win and improved to 11-10 on the year.

Key went six and gave up three runs on eight hits. After giving up a run to Detroit in the bottom of the second, the Yankees responded with two runs in the top of the third. Derek Jeter singled home Mariano Duncan and Cecil Fielder was able to draw a bases loaded walk. Bernie Williams added an RBI single in the fifth to put New York up 3-1, but Key allowed the Tigers to tie the game in the bottom half.

With the game still tied in the seventh, Paul O'Neill hit a fly ball to left field which was misplayed. Two runs came around to score and the Yankees were on top 5-3. Fielder added two insurance runs in the top of the ninth with a big double, and the Yankees were able to breathe.

The Yankees were backed by a solid bullpen tonight, which tossed three innings of hitless ball. Brian Boehringer, Mariano Rivera and John Wetteland each pitched a perfect inning.

New York's division lead remains at 2.5 games. David Cone starts tomorrow afternoon against Justin Thompson as the Yankees go for the sweep.

Line score:

        1 2 3  4 5 6  7 8 9   R  H  E
        - - -  - - -  - - -   -  -  -
Yankees 0 0 2  0 1 0  2 0 2   7  6  1
Tigers  0 1 0  0 2 0  0 0 0   3  8  2