By Fitzgerald Cecilio

Delmon Young ripped an RBI double and Andy Dirks hit an infield single in the 12th as the Detroit Tigers squandered a four-run lead in the ninth but recovered to nail down a 6-4 victory in the opening game of the American League Championship Series Saturday at Yankees Stadium.

The Tigers gun for a 2-0 lead when they put Anibal Sanchez on the mound against Hiroki Kuroda in Game 2 Sunday.

The Tigers were in total control, leading 4-0 when the Yankees scored four runs behind two-run homers by Ichiro Suzuki and Raul Ibanez against closer Jose Valverde to bring the game to extra frames.

Fortunately for the Tigers, Young saved the day in the 12th with his third RBI while Drew Smyly (1-0) pitched two scoreless innings, retiring six of seven Yankees to seal the victory and earn his first postseason win.

"We had a lead, but they showed what they've been doing all year coming back and tying up ballgames and to win ballgames," Young said. "But we held our composure and we came out in the 12th and got some runs. Drew Smyly came out and shut the door."

"If we are going to be good enough, we have to be able to take a punch, and we took a big punch," said Tigers manager Jim Leyland. "We took a right cross in the ninth inning, but we survived it."

The defeat was a bitter one for the Yankees as they also lost superstar shortstop and captain Derek Jeter for the season with a fractured ankle. Jeter sustained the injury in the final inning while trying to stop Jhonny Peralta's grounder up the middle.

"His ankle fractured, so he's out," said Yankees manager Joe Girardi. "He's out. They talked about a three month recovery period. It won't jeopardize his career, but he will not be playing anymore for us this year."

Eduardo Nunez will take Jeter's spot on the ALCS roster, added Girardi.

"Well, you know, when you think of postseason, you think of Derek Jeter," Leyland said. "I am the opposing manager, but fortunately over the years I think there has been a tremendous mutual respect, and I am very sorry about it, and very sorry to hear about it. And, you know, at the proper time I'll talk to Derek."

Against starter Andy Pettitte, the Tigers opened the game with RBI from Prince Fielder and Young for a 2-0 lead.

Then, Young added a solo shot in the eighth and Avisail Garcia contributed an RBI single to pad the Tigers' lead to 4-0.

With Valverde on the mound, the Yankees staged the comeback sparked by a single from catcher Russell Martin and followed by a two-run shot by Ichiro. Valverde then walked Mark Teixeira and surrendered a homer to Ibanez that tied the count.

Despite Valverde's debacle, Leyland would not say whether he would remain as the team's closer.

"We really want to put our heads together and discuss it first, to be honest with you, and get together as coaching staff and talk about it," Leyland said. "We are certainly going to talk about it, but I don't really have any final information on it yet."

David Phelps (0-1) absorbed the loss after giving up two runs in the 12th. Pettitte lasted 6 2/3 innings, surrendering two earned runs on seven hits with three walks and five strikeouts.

Tigers starter Doug Fister pitched 6 1/3 innings, giving up six hits with four walks and five strikeouts.

 

The New York Yankees lost the AL championship series opener and their captain Derek Jeter when he broke his left ankle in the 12th inning as the Detroit Tigers' scored a 6-4 victory over New York on Saturday night

 

 

Young and Dirks Shine as Tigers Top Yanks in ALCS Opener