Yankees Lose to Tigers, Turn to AJ Burnett in Game 4

The New York Yankees got a shaky start from their ace, CC Sabathia and could not solve a dominant Justin Verlander as they lose 5-4. Delmon Young was the Tigers' hero as he hit a go-ahead home run in the 7th inning.

So what are the keys for game 4 in the must-win game for the Yankees? How will AJ do?

Well simply stated the Yankees need AJ Burnett to keep them in the game. They need to make sure he keeps focused and doesn't implode in a single inning, which is Burnett's downfall. The Yankees are facing a pitcher in Rick Porcello who does struggle on his home turf at Comerica Park. Porcello has a 5.25 ERA in Detroit, so the Yankees will have their opportunities to push runs across the plate.

The Yankees need their veteran players to step up. Besides from the 2-5 effort in game three, Derek Jeter hasn't been there and neither have Mark Teixeira and Alex Rodriguez. It'll be interesting to see if Yankees manager Joe Girardi decides to mix up the lineup to give the offense a boost.

For many Yankees fans, there is great irony that their season will come down to AJ Burnett. Burnett has certainly had his rough moments while a member with the Yankees. AJ came through in 2009 in the playoffs and Yankee fans are hoping he can find that magic and not blow up as many expect him to. Burnett had some good starts down the stretch, especially against the Red Sox. So we'll see which AJ shows up to Comerica Park in Game Four on Tuesday.