Damon's HR lifts Tigers over Yankees

5/11/2010

DETROIT — Johnny Damon hit a homer in his first game against the team that didn't re-sign him, helping the Detroit Tigers beat the New York Yankees 5-4 on Monday night.

Austin Jackson, a former Yankees prospect, gave Detroit a three-run lead in the second inning.

Mark Teixeira's two-run home run pulled New York within a run in the third inning.

Detroit's Brad Thomas gave up two runs in three innings. Eddie Bonine (3-0) pitched 2 1-3 scoreless innings. Joel Zumaya gave up two runs on three hits and two walks after pitching well for 1 2-3 innings.

Phil Coke, also an ex-Yankee, retired two before Ryan Perry got Derek Jeter to line out to end the eighth with two on and down a run. Jose Valverde struck out the side for his ninth save.