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Yankees hope to take rare series from Tigers

May 11, 2008 - 2:28 PM NY Yankees (19-19) at Detroit (16-22) 1:05 pm EDT

DETROIT (Ticker) -- One day after the New York Yankees finally figured out how to beat the Detroit Tigers, Andy Pettitte hopes to do the same despite some long odds.

Pettitte and the Yankees aim to win a rare series from the Tigers on Sunday when the teams meet in the third and final game of their three-game set.

By virtue of its 5-2 win on Saturday, New York ended its six-game losing streak against Detroit, a run that dating back to last season. Another win in the finale on Sunday would be the Yankees' first series victory vs. the Tigers since taking three of four from August 16-19, 2007.

To accomplish that feat, Andy Pettitte (3-3, 3.77 ERA) will need to improve on the numbers he has posted against the heart of the Tigers' batting order. Magglio Ordonez (.351), Miguel Cabrera (.333) and Carlos Guillen (.385) - Detroit's regular No. 3-5 hitters - all have fared well in their careers against the lefthander.

Pettitte allowed two runs and five hits over 6 1/3 innings, but did not factor into the decision in Tuesday's 5-3 loss to Cleveland.

The Tigers will answer with Nate Robertson (1-4, 6.64), who will be hoping to repeat the success he had against the Yankees earlier this month. The lefthander registered his only win this season against New York on May 1.

Robertson surrendered four runs and a season-high 10 hits over 6 1/3 innings of a 5-0 loss to Boston on Tuesday.