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Tigers Take Lead In Series, Beat Yankees 5-4

DETROIT (WWJ) - Justin Verlander struck out 11 through eight innings as the Detroit Tigers beat the N.Y. Yankees 5-4 on Monday night and took the lead in the best of five division series.

As heard on 97.1 The Ticket -  Tigers closer Jose Valverde made it another nail-biter, allowing the go-ahead run on base in the ninth inning before closing it out at the plate - leaving Derek Jeter to strike out - and two runners stranded.

The win gives the Tigers a 2-1 lead in the AL Division Series.

Speaking postgame to The Ticket's Jeff Riger - Ramon Santiago talked about the pitching by Verlander, saying: "Verlander gave us a chance to win."

Santiago tells The Ticket: "I thought we worked hard all day .... this crowd gives us the energy we need."

"When it's on it's on, every pitch is working for him," said Santiago about Verlander.

Santiago had two hits and two RBI's in the game; "I feel great - thanks to the skipper."

The Yankees got off to an early lead - scoring two runs in the first inning off of Verlander.

The Tigers tied things up in the third inning - and went ahead 4-2 before the Yankees came back to tie things up in the seventh inning.

Delmon Young hit a solo shot to right off Rafael Soriano in the seventh to give the Tigers the go ahead run and eventual win.

The Tigers have a chance to win the division series at home as Game 4 will take place in Detroit - Tuesday night.

Hear all the pre-game action on 97.1 The Ticket at 8:10 p.m. Tuesday.

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(Copyright 2011 WWJ Newsradio 950. All Rights Reserved.)

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