One tactic for beating the Tigers when Justin Verlander starts for the Tigers: Make him throw so many pitches that he has to leave the game after, oh, six or seven innings. Because the guys in the bullpen aren't as good as Verlander.

If that's the Yankees' plan, so far so not good.

In the first inning, Verlander threw nine pitches. In the second, he threw 11 pitches. At this rate ... well, Phil Hughes will have to pitch the Game of His Life, or the Yankees are sunk.

Leaving aside the pitch count, so far so good. Hughes has thrown 29 pitches -- also a fine figure! -- but there's been just one feline baserunner; as long as Hughes is matching Verlander on the scoreboard, there is yet hope for the Yankees. Remember, it's baseball: Anything can happen and nothing is predestined.

We're heading to the third inning, and Game 3 remains scoreless.