Justin Verlander didn't have his best command.  But he pitched a gutsy 6 innings and only allowed 3 runs to the Yankees while striking out 8.  He was still throwing 99 and 100 mph, 130 pitches into the game. 

Alex Avila homered twice and Miguel Cabrera drove in the other Tiger run, but it was Jose Valverde's turn tonight to disappoint the Detroit faithful.  The Tiger closer gave up two runs in the 9th and that was that.  7 losses in a row.  Austin Jackson continues to struggle in the leadoff spot, going 0-for-four with three strikeouts.  He's batting .188.  Magglio Ordonez can't seem to hit anything these days and is hitting  an anemic.151.  Brennan Boesch has a good batting average, but can't seem to come through when teams pitch around Cabrera.  He was 0-for-four tonight with four runners left on  base. 

The Tigers and Yankees will play game two of their 4-game series tomorrow night at Comerica Park.  There are still a lot of games left to be played this season, but the Tigers are making it hard on themselves.

More From Cars 108