The New York Yankees look to tie the series at a game apiece as they face the Detroit Tigers in Game 2 of the ALCS.
Yes, the Yanks will have to play the remainder of the season without their captain and face of the franchise, Derek Jeter. He suffered an ankle injury while going after a routine grounder in the 12th inning in Game 1.
This means guys like Robinson Cano, Nick Swisher and Curtis Granderson will have to step up offensively to fill in the void. These players have been struggling as of late and the pitching has been doing a pretty good job holding opponents keeping the Yankee offense close.
Last night, Raul Ibanez provided a blast that tied the ball game completing a four run rally to tie the game in the bottom of the 9th. However, the Tigers' bullpen held it down in extra innings and allowed their team to win it in the top of the 12th.
On the mound for the Yankees will be Hiroki Kuroda. He pitched well in his ALDS appearance against the Baltimore Orioles that began the marathon of extra-inning games for the Yankees. His two blemishes were long balls surrendered to Oriole rookies.
Kuroda went 8.1 innings gave up five hits, two runs, one walk and had three strikeouts.
His counterpart, taking the hill for the Tigers is midseason acquisition, Anibal Sanchez who has been a big part of the rotation.
He went 6.1 innings gave up two runs on five hits and three walks while recording three strikeouts.
The Yankees need to win today to avoid an 0-2 hole as the next three games will be played in Detroit.