We got our first look at Rafael Soriano in a Yankees uniform in the eighth inning. Soriano, if you recall, signed an absurd 3-year, $35 million contract with the Janks this offseason. Well, he got off to a good start in earning it by setting the Tigers down in order, including a strikeout of Miguel Cabrera. (It should be noted Raburn's fly out to end the inning may have gone on a warmer, less windy day.)
In the bottom half of the inning, Perry walked the leadoff hitter, A-Rod, and got the hook. A passed ball from Avila (that the box scores inexplicably call a wild pitch) allowed A-Rod to get to second and then score on a bizarre bloop single to right off the bat of Swisher. Swisher was caught in a pickle on the play and tagged out near first by Cabrera.
Schlereth got Posada to fly out to right field to end the inning.
It's 6-3 Yankees and Mariano Rivera is Entering Sandman...