The first four batters in the New York lineup -- Johnny Damon, Derek Jeter, Bobby Abreu and Rodriguez -- combined to go 11-for-18 with eight runs batted in and 10 runs scored.

Gary Sheffield, Brandon Inge and Miguel Cabrera homered for the Tigers, who have lost six of their last eight games. Sheffield's homer was the 494th of his career, surpassing Lou Gehrig and Fred McGriff for 25th place on the all-time list.

Justin Verlander (10-15) got the start for Detroit and gave up eight runs on seven hits and two walks in just 1 2/3 innings.

New York starter Sidney Ponson couldn't get out of the fourth to qualify for the win despite an 11-2 lead. He allowed seven runs on nine hits and one walk in three-plus innings.

Brian Bruney (2-0) worked the fifth inning and got the win.