If I told you before today's game that Justin Verlander would last 6.1 innings and allow 5 runs while Phil Hughes would go the distance and allow only one run, you would probably think that I lived on another planet. But, that very thing happened today. Tigers ace Justin Verlander did not have command of his fastball all day. The Yankees hitters took advantage of that with the long ball. Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez both went yard off of Verlander. The ace gave his team length but did not give them quality length. This is the first time since 2008 that Verlander has lost three straight games. On the other side, this is the first time that in Hughes' career that he pitched a 9 inning complete game. He had a CG shutout last year in Chicago that was a 6 inning affair because of rain.
The Yankees offense mustered five runs off of Verlander in his outing. 3 of those runs were earned. They only managed to get one hit with runners in scoring position but that did not hurt them today. Alex Rodriguez hit a long, 447' home run to left center off Verlander for his 638th career home run. Jeter led off the game with a solo shot to set the tone for the afternoon. Robinson Cano hit an RBI triple and scored on an error by Miguel Cabrera at third base to give the Yankees their 4 run lead.
The Yankees head into their off-day with their heads held high after a 6-3 road trip, finishing strong against the Tigers. Phil Hughes' sparkling performance should set him off on a special run. The Yankees come home Tuesday to face the Rays. It will be James Shields against Andy Pettitte facing off on Tuesday night.
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