Major League Baseball

Tigers-Yankees rained out

Published Mar. 28, 2010 10:05 p.m. ET

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The Detroit Tigers and New York Yankees game Sunday was canceled because of rain in the bottom of the fourth inning.

With rain increasing in intensity, it appeared that Detroit manager Jim Leyland pulled his team off the field. As the Tigers were leaving the field, the umpires headed toward the dugout to talk with Leyland, who later said he didn't tell his players to head for the clubhouse ahead of the official rain delay.

Both starting pitchers, New York's Andy Pettitte and Tigers right-hander Max Scherzer, were held back due to inclement weather approaching the area at game time.

Pettitte pitched the fourth inning, while Scherzer came in for third and went 1 2-3 innings. Both completed their outings with simulated games in a batting cage.

``It was a messed up day,'' Pettitte said. ``I don't know what to say.''

The Yankees pregame plan called for a two-hour delay after a couple of innings and then Pettitte would have pitched when the game resumed. Pettitte has just five big league innings over two appearances due this spring in part to rain.

``What can you do?'' Pettitte said. ``I will be ready, and there's no excuses.''

Pettitte has throw two previous simulated games and took part in an intrasquad contest.

Alex Rodriguez hit a two-run single and Robinson Cano drove in two runs with a double during a six-run first for the Yankees. The Yankees were leading 8-0 when the game was called. It will not be made up.

Johnny Damon, playing in his first game at Steinbrenner Field since signing a free-agent contract with the Tigers last month, tipped his helmet after receiving a partial standing ovation before singling in his first at-bat.

Damon did make the trip to Tampa on March 21 for a game against the Yankees that was also rained out.

Yankees closer Mariano Rivera struck out one and hit a batter during a scoreless second. He has not given up a run in five innings overall.

The weather prevented Tigers reliever Joel Zumaya from pitching on consecutive games. He struck out three in a scoreless inning against the Yankees on Saturday.

``I'm thrilled that he's healthy,'' Leyland said.

Zumaya had right shoulder surgery last August.

Detroit replacement starter Jon Kibler allowed six runs, three hits and three walks in 1-3 of an inning. He threw 11 of 29 pitches for strikes.

NOTES: Actor Richard Gere, who has been a special guest at Yankees' fantasy camps, took the New York starting lineup out to the umpires. He was in uniform, wearing No. 36. ``Got to meet him,'' Leyland said. ``It was a thrill.'' ... Hall of Famer Wade Boggs threw out the ceremonial first pitch. ... Tigers RHP Jeremy Bonderman will pitch in a simulated-type game on Tuesday. ... Leyland said Tigers OF Clete Thomas (sore shoulder) is a lot better and ``is hitting balls over the seats'' in batting practice.

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