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Tigers Headed to Texas Edge Yankees in Game 5
John Nestor
Bronx, NY
Don Kelly and Delmon Young got the Detroit Tigers off to a good start and closer Jose Valverde delivered a strong finish to lead Detroit to a 3-2 victory over the New York Yankees in Thursday's deciding Game 5 of their American League Division Series.
Detroit will visit West Division champion Texas in Game 1 of the best-of-seven ALCS on Saturday night.
Kelly and Young gave the Tigers a 2-0 lead with back-to-back solo home runs in the first inning. Detroit never gave up the lead but there were a few anxious moments along the way.
Detroit got just the start it was looking for as Kelly and Young homered off Yankees starter Ivan Nova (1-1), who was done after two innings with tightness in his forearm.
Meanwhile, Tigers starter Doug Fister gave his team five strong innings before turning it over to the bullpen.
New York had the bases loaded with one out in the seventh but managed just one run to make it 3-2. Alex Rodriguez struck out with one away and Nick Swisher fanned to end the threat.
Tigers closer Jose Valverde, a perfect 49-for-49 in save chances this season, pitched a perfect ninth inning to earn his second save of the series.
Thanks to Fister and the bullpen Tigers ace Justin Verlander wasn't called on and will start the ALCS opener at Texas Saturday night against the Rangers' C.J. Wilson.
Tigers / Yankess ALDS Game 5 Recap
Tigers / Rangers ALCS Preview
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