The Yankees are snake-bit like no other team in this playoffs. Alex Rodriguez isn't in the lineup because he's so danged snake-bit, and neither is Nick Swisher. Derek Jeter is out for the year, and in the bottom of the fourth, starting pitcher Phil Hughes left with a herniated lumbar disc, which probably means he's out for the postseason, too.
Tigers extend lead to 2-0 behind Verlander
And if the news isn't good with the offense or the injuries, well, it's not much better when it comes to the pitching or fielding, either. Quintin Berry reached on an error by A-Rod replacement Eric Chavez to start the fifth, setting things up for Miguel Cabrera, who did this:
That chased reliever David Phelps, and it put the Tigers up 2-0. Clay Rapada came in and got Prince Fielder to ground out. After an intentional walk to Delmon Young (not as funny as it used to be), Andy Dirks grounded out for the second out of the inning, and right-hander Cody Eppley came in to retire Jhonny Peralta on a fly to center.
The Yankees are down 2-0, they're going against Justin Verlander, and everyone is either hurt or stinky. IF they end up winning this series, this is the second plot point at the end of act two, where everything is at its bleakest.
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