The Tiger’s offense was missing in action yesterday and so was the expected lift they were looking for from ace pitcher Justin Verlander. It was a losing combination for Detroit as they fell 5-to-1 to the Yankees in the rubber game of their 3-game series at Comerica Park.

Verlander was out of sync from the get-go with Derek Jeter homering forNew Yorkon the first pitch of the game. Alex Rodriguez also blasted a solo homer to back a complete-game 4-hit gem by Phil Hughes. Price Fielder's solo shot in the fourth frame accounted for Detroit's lone run.

Verlander gave up all five runs, three earned, in six-and-a-third innings of work to absorb the defeat. It’s the first time since 2008

Verlander has lost three straight starts.  Verlander is now 5-and-4 while the third place Tigers slip to 25-and-29 and slide to six games behind the Central Division leading White Sox, who beat the Mariners 4-to-2 yesterday in Chicago. And the Cubs lost 2-to-0 at San Francisco.