Tigers shut down NY to go up 2-0; Cardinals stun Giants

**Admin** Mon Oct 15, 2012 5:51 am

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Anibal Sanchez shut down a Yankees lineup minus injured Derek Jeter as the Detroit Tigers scored twice after an admitted missed call by an umpire that helped shut out New York, 3-0, to take a 2-0 lead in the American League Championship Series.

Delmon Young gave Sanchez his first run of support in the playoffs with a fielder's choice in the 7th inning. The Tigers then scored twice in the 8th inning after second base umpire Jeff Nelson missed a call on a two-out tag at second base. Yankees manager Joe Girardi argued and was ejected on his 48th birthday.

Game 3 in the best-of-seven series will be this Tuesday night at Comerica Park in Detroit, with reigning AL MVP Justin Verlander starting for the Tigers against New York's Phil Hughes. Verlander went 2-0 in the division series versus Oakland, including a four-hit shutout with 11 strikeouts in the decisive Game 5.

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Boosted by two-run homeruns from Carlos Beltran & David Freese and 5 & 1/3 innings from a steady bullpen, the St. Louis Cardinals held on to defeat the San Francisco Giants, 6-4, in Game 1 of the NL Championship Series.

Starter Lance Lynn was done after 3 & 2/3 innings. Edward Mujica, the fifth St. Louis pitcher, struck out the side in order in the 7th inning for the win and Jason Motte finished for his second save of the postseason. The Cardinals gave first-year manager Mike Matheny a win against his former club.

Game 2 in the best-of-seven series will be this Monday night when Chris Carpenter pitches for the Cardinals against San Francisco's Ryan Vogelsong.