MLB: Detroit 7, New York Yankees 2

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DETROIT, Aug. 6 (UPI) -- Justin Verlander equaled a career high with 14 strikeouts Monday and the Detroit Tigers rolled over the New York Yankees 7-2.

Verlander (12-7) broke a personal two-start losing streak with the dominating performance, tying the Tigers' record for the most strikeouts ever in a game against the Yankees.

The Detroit ace hurled 96 of his 132 pitches for strikes en route to the triumph, allowing two unearned runs on eight hits while issuing a single walk as the Tigers took the opener of a four-game series.

Prince Fielder and Miguel Cabrera socked solo homers, while Alex Avila and Jhonny Peralta each contributed an RBI in Detroit's fifth straight win.

The second-place Tigers came into the contest trailing the American League Central-leading Chicago White Sox by 1 1/2 games.

New York's Ivan Nova (10-6) was tagged for seven runs on 11 hits in a 5 1/3-inning effort.

Derek Jeter and Robinson Cano each drove in a run for the AL East-leading Yankees.