Yankees 11, Tigers 5
Robinson Cano doubled and homered during a nine-run sixth inning as the New York Yankees rolled to an 11-5 triumph over the Detroit Tigers in the finale of their four-game series on Thursday.
Derek Jeter and Austin Kearns drove in two runs apiece in the explosive inning while Phil Hughes pitched six solid innings for the Yankees, who have won three in a row following a series-opening loss on Monday.
With Alex Rodriguez sidelined for a third straight game with a strained calf, New York fell behind early as Miguel Cabrera belted a two-run homer in the first inning. It was the 31st blast of the year for Cabrera, who leads the major leagues with 100 RBIs.
The Yankees pulled even in the fourth on RBI singles by Nick Swisher and Curtis Granderson before blowing open the game in the sixth.
Cano began the scoring with an RBI double and finished it with a two-run homer, his 24th of the season and third in as many games. In between, Jorge Posada drove in a run with a single, Kearns delivered a two-run double and Jeter a two-run triple while a run also scored on a passed ball.
The 35-minute inning meant the afternoon was over for Hughes (15-5), who allowed two runs and four hits. The 24-year old, who struck out six without a walk, has won consecutive decisions for the first time since taking five in a row from May 28-June 19.
Sergio Mitre relieved and notched his first career save despite allowing three runs and six hits in three innings.
New Jersey native Rick Porcello (5-11) kept the Yankees hitless for 3 1/3 innings but eventually fell apart, surrendering six runs and six hits in five-plus frames.