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Rodriguez helps Tigers slam Igawa, Yankees

May 10, 2008 - 5:06 AM DETROIT (Ticker) -- It was more of the same for New York Yankees lefthander Kei Igawa in his season debut.

Ivan Rodriguez had three hits and two RBI as the Detroit Tigers spoiled Igawa's first outing of the year in a 6-5 victory over the Yankees at Comerica Park on Friday night.

Placido Polanco, Carlos Guillen and Magglio Ordonez each drove in a run for the Tigers, who scored three in third and two in the fourth to take control of the game.

"We hit the ball into the gaps and over the fence," Detroit manager Jim Leyland said. "That's how we win games - we aren't going to do a lot of running."

It was the third loss in four games for New York, which scored three runs in the ninth but stranded the tying run on second base against Tigers closer Todd Jones.

"I can't wait until Sunday because they'll be gone," said Leyland, who was being modest about his team's success against the Yankees. "They are going to unload on someone, and I hope it isn't us."

Detroit did its damage against the much-maligned Igawa (0-1), who allowed six runs and an astounding 11 hits in three-plus frames without a walk or a strikeout.

"He showed some good things tonight but didn't pitch as well as he's capable," Yankees manager Joe Girardi said of Igawa. "He focused on one pitch - the fastball. That's what hurt him. They were looking for that pitch. He just couldn't throw the off-speed pitches for strikes."

Igawa, who was recalled from Class AAA Scranton/Wilkes-Barre in time to make his first start of the season, has been in this situation before - enduring a deplorable rookie campaign in 2007.

Igawa started this year in the minor leagues but was recalled when Phil Hughes was put on the disabled list and Ian Kennedy was sent down.

New York paid $26 million just for the right to negotiate with the former Japanese star, who then inked a five-year, $20 million deal. Needless to say, it has not worked out.

Igawa got in trouble right away in this one, allowing a leadoff double in the first inning to Rodriguez, who eventually scored on Guillen's sacrifice fly to make it 1-0.

"We know that we've got to score first and we've got to keep tacking on runs," Tigers left fielder Gary Sheffield said. "If we give Kenny (Rogers) some runs, he knows what to do with them. Even if he doesn't have his best stuff, he's going to always give you a chance to win."

According to Leyland, Rodriguez was glad he was in the lineup.

"(Rodriguez) was mad at me (Thursday) because I didn't play him," the manager said. "But he's happy now. He told me tonight that I must be smarter than he thought."

The Tigers continued to batter Igawa in the third, taking advantage of his inability to get the ball down.

"I was throwing too many strikes up in the zone," Igawa said through an interpreter. "I need to work on my pitches so that I can get more strikeouts. Today, everything I threw found a hole."

An error by Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter and a perfectly placed bunt single did not help matters in the frame, which was highlighted by RBI doubles by Rodriguez and Sheffield and a run-scoring single by Ordonez as the Tigers built a 4-1 lead.

Detroit started the fourth with four straight singles, including a one to left by Polanco that made it 6-1.

Jonathan Albaladejo then relieved Igawa and hurled 2 1/3 scoreless frames, allowing just two hits before leaving the game in the sixth with an apparent elbow injury with one out, runners on first and third and a 2-0 count on Polanco.

"It felt like somebody jabbed me with a needle," Albaladejo said. "It was a burning sensation that I never felt before. I just couldn't go on. I don't think it's too serious, but I'm disappointed. I was looking forward to staying up here all (season), and then this happens."

"Looks like a trip to the DL," Girardi said. "He's going to New York for an MRI. It seems to be a strained muscle or ligament."

LaTroy Hawkins inherited the count and escaped the inning without giving up a run. Hawkins and Edwar Ramirez tossed the final 2 2/3 frames without giving up a hit or a run, allowing the Yankees an opportunity to nearly pull off a comeback in the ninth.

Former New York lefthander Rogers (3-3) started for Detroit, yielding two runs and nine hits while striking out three and walking two in six frames.

"Anytime I can go out there and get a win, it is acceptable," Rogers said. "But I thought I did a good job today. I made a couple mistakes - you always do - but I was able to make pitches to get out of the jams."

Zach Miner hurled two scoreless innings, bridging the gap to Jones, who allowed three runs and four hits in a shaky ninth.

Robinson Cano and Jeter knocked in a run apiece in the final frame, setting up Bobby Abreu, who sprayed a double down the left field line to score Jeter and make it 6-5.

Hideki Matsui then was walked intentionally so Jones could face the inexperienced Shelly Duncan, who flied out to center to end the game.

"I was concerned because that's a perfect example of how important it is to get the leadoff guy in the ninth," Leyland said. "Todd had (the leadoff guy) 0-2, and if he gets him, the game probably ends without any excitement."

The slumping Cano notched his second straight multi-hit game and Jason Giambi homered for the second consecutive contest for New York.