Yankees late hitting, pitching just enough

Mark Teixeira’s three-run homer and Phil Hughes’ six strikeouts in relief fueled the Yankees (52-37) to a win over the Tigers (48-40).

Quick ‘Cap:
The two teams exchanged a run in the first and fifth innings, but the Tigers added one more in the second as well. Derek Jeter singled and Johnny Damon doubled to open the seventh frame, setting the stage for Teixeira. He unloaded on a Joel Zumaya fastball and it landed in the second deck in right.

A.J. Burnett pitched the first six innings, and simply kept his team in the game. He didn’t go quite long enough to earn the victory, but it was another strong start for him. Phil Hughes struck out the side in the seventh and eighth innings. His last strikeout of the eighth led to a rain delay that lasted 57 minutes.

Mariano Rivera did his thing in the ninth for the 24th time this season. Full box score here.

Thoughts:
A lot of guys had multi-hit games, but Alex Rodriguez settled for an 0-for-5 start to the second half. I know he can still produce, but I want to see him hit.

Line of the Night:
Hughes: 2 IP, 3 H, zeroes, 6 Ks. Speaking of lights out…

Up Next:
The Yankees will get a chance to take the series in a 2:00 p.m. game on Saturday. Justin Verlander (10-4, 3.38) and CC Sabathia (8-6, 3.86) will battle it out.