This had the feel of a Valverde-themed nail biter. They Yankees were getting chance after chance to score, but they couldn't break through. The Tigers went down quietly in the seventh after breaking through in the sixth. This looked like it was going to be a two-run lead, which, by law, was going to require Valverde to let the first runner of the inning get on base.

There was a force stronger than the inevitability of a Valverde nail biter, though. That force was Derek Lowe not being that good these days. Also, Derek Lowe is on the Yankees' playoff roster. Well, I'll be. And Lowe left a sinker up against Delmon Young, and even he can do something with that:

The homer made it 3-0, and Jhonny Peralta rapped another sinker into center for a double to chase Lowe. Boone Logan came in and got a quick grounder, but Avisail Garcia came through with a two-out knock to score the Tigers' fourth run.

The game is Valverde-proof for now. Not that he's a bad pitcher. Just interesting!

-- Grant