The Tigers punished the Yankees 16-0 last night in the final match-up of a crucial four-game series. Starter Justin Verlander was masterful for Detroit, blanking New York and surrendering only three hits in seven innings, while the Tigers pounced on Yankee hurler Mike Mussina for their highest run total this year.
The Tigers took the series 3-1, though they still trail Cleveland by 2½ games in the American League Central. The Yanks, who begin a three-game stand against Boston today, slip to eight games back in the American League East. Meanwhile, the Bombers have started to question Mussina's reliability. (More Detroit Tigers stories.)