Game 4:
Yankees 10, Tigers 1
HERO
A.J. Burnett nearly got knocked out in the first inning, but he recovered and delivered as much as the Yankees could have hoped for in an elimination game. Banished from the rotation to start the postseason, Burnett was forced into action because the Yankees needed four starters after Game 1 was suspended by rain. His 5 2/3 inning-outing in which he gave up one run doesn’t make up for his travails this season, but saving the season comes pretty close.
ZERO
The Tigers’ bats fell silent last night against a pitcher who seemed ready to implode early on. They were unable to take advantage of Burnett when they had the chance and only scored on Victor Martinez’s fourth-inning solo blast to right.
KEY PLAY
On the ropes with the bases loaded and two out in the first inning, Don Kelly sent what looked to be a bases-clearing double to center, but Curtis Granderson (above) took one step forward and then made a leaping grab to end the inning. It kept the game scoreless despite Burnett’s three walks, and allowed the right-hander the time to settle down and provide a solid start. Granderson followed that with an incredible diving catch in left-center to end the sixth.