For all of the good starting pitching performances the Yankees wasted this year, especially from mediocre guys like Ponson and Rasner, the Yankees were sure due to pull out a victory like this one. Sidney Ponson had six runs charged to him and the Tigers eventually put a 9-spot on the board, but the Yankees held on for a 13-9 victory, thanks mostly to the Bombers putting across 11 runs in the first three innings.

The Yankees went ahead early, scoring four runs in the 1st inning, four in the 2nd, and three in the 3rd, as the Yankees led Detroit by a score of 11-2 after three. Detroit would bounce back, however, as they put up six runs in the bottom of the 4th and one in the 5th to make it 11-9, and had the tying run on base in both of those innings. A two-run single for Jeter, however, would make it 13-9 Yankees, and that score would prove to be final.

Alex Rodriguez lead the way, going 3-6 and driving in four runs. A-Rod was also 2-4 with runners in scoring position. Say what you want about him driving in more runs early in the game or with a blowout showing on the scoreboard, but in the end, he did finish the game with 4 RBI and those four runs were the difference in the game.

Bobby Abreu and Johnny Damon both had three hits as well, including a solo home run off the bat of Damon in the 2nd. Every Yankee starter with the exception of Jason Giambi had at least one hit.

Sidney Ponson was knocked around, as he allowed seven runs (six earned) on nine hits in just three full innings. Edwar Ramirez was responsible for the Tigers' other two runs.

Phil Coke pitched in his first major league game and did a nice job, allowing only a single to Magglio Ordonez and striking out both Curtis Granderson and Miguel Cabrera.

Pudge Rodriguez came up to bat in the 2nd inning and received a standing ovation from the Detroit faithful, which was nice to see.

The Yankees will be in Tampa Bay tonight to face the Rays, who are running away with the A.L. East at this point. The Yankees now trail the Red Sox in the wild card by 7 games with 25 left to play, which gives the Yankees an elimination number of just 19. Mike Mussina will be on the mound to face the Rays' Matt Garza. Game starts at 7:10 ET.