It was a picture perfect Sunday for the New York Yankees, who used the first-ever nine-inning complete game from starting pitcher Phil Hughes and a solid offensive output against Detroit Tigers' ace Justin Verlander to earn a 5-1 victory in the three-game series finale. The victory helped the Yankees (29-24) take the series and finish their nine-game road trip 6-3.
Hughes (5-5, 4.96 ERA) put together by far his best start of the season, allowing four hits and striking out eight. The righty threw 123 pitches. He was backed by solo home runs from Derek Jeter (2-for-5) and Alex Rodriguez (2-for-4), and RBIs by Mark Teixeira and Robinson Cano.
Verlander (5-4, 2.67 ERA) was credited with the loss as he gave up all five runs (three earned) in just 6 1/3 innings of work. Detroit falls to 25-29 overall.
The Yankees will have a day off Monday, before beginning a three-game series against visiting Tampa Bay Rays on Tuesday.
For a full recap of the series with the Tigers, check out the SB Nation New York Storystream. Meanwhile, Pinstripe Alley is your source for quality Yankees news and analysis, and if the Tigers are your team you'll want to check out Bless You Boys.