Robinson Cano drove in six runs, highlighting a six-run sixth inning with a grand slam home run, as the New York Yankees defeated the Detroit Tigers, 9-1, Saturday night in Game 1 of the American League Division Series at Yankee Stadium. The game began Friday night, but was suspended by rain midway through the second inning.
The Yankees held a 2-1 lead entering the sixth inning. Brett Gardner drove in two runs with a two-out, bases-loaded single off losing pitcher Doug Fister. Later in the inning Cano broke the game open with a grand slam off reliever Al Albuquerque.
Cano, who drove in 118 runs during the regular season, was only recently moved to the premier No. 3 spot in the Yankee batting order by manager Joe Girardi. He justified that faith Saturday night. The sweet-swinging second baseman also had RBI doubles in the fifth and eighth innings.
Ivan Nova got the victory for the Yankees in his first postseason appearance. CC Sabathia worked the first two innings Friday night, and Nova came on for the Yankees when the game resumed. He pitched into the ninth inning, working 6.1 brilliant innings and surrendering just four hits before being removed. He was charged with two runs.
After Luis Ayala was unable to get the final out Mariano Rivera came on to strike out Wilson Betemit, ending the game.
The game was tied 1-1 Friday night when it was suspended after the top of the second inning.
Game 2 will be Sunday afternoon at Yankee Stadium at 3 p.m. ET.