DETROIT -- The game was all but over about the time Drew VerHagen served up a a mammoth three-run home run to Austin Romine in the fourth inning to give the New York Yankees a six-run edge.
Recent comeback magic notwithstanding, that was a nearly impossible deficit to make up against Yankees fire-baller Luis Severino.
But the Detroit Tigers' 7-4 loss to the Yankees in Game 1 of Monday's doubleheader at Comerica Park did come with a silver-lining.
Rookie Sandy Baez made his debut in relief of VerHagen and looked really, really good.
He pitched 4 1/3 scoreless, hitless innings, striking out four (including Giancarlo Stanton and Aaron Judge).