Justin Verlander, Detroit Tigers Benefit from Rain Delay in 2011 MLB Playoffs

Mother Nature took a day off from interfering with Major League Baseball and resumed with a rain delay in the Game 1 of the ALDS between the Detroit Tigers and New York Yankees.

The delay came in the bottom of the second inning after a tied score of 1-1.

The Tigers scored their run on a homer by Delmon Young on the last out of the first inning. The Yankees had help from Justin Verlander scoring their run in the second with a wild pitch followed by a walk.

The game was postponed to Saturday with Game 2 moved to Sunday and Game 3 to Monday. Most pitchers would not appreciate a short outing like this, but Verlander and the Tigers should be thankful.

In one inning of work, Verlander gave up no hits, yet still earned a run from his wild pitch and two walks. He had just one strikeout.

Sabathia gave up that one hit and had four strikeouts and no walks through two innings of work. While Verlander's work is far from being catastrophic, it is not reflective of his regular season dominance.

In a best-of-five series there is little room for error and if the first inning was any indication of the rest of the game, it probably would not have turned out so well for the Tigers.

Verlander can only benefit from a few days off to regroup and refocus for a fresh start. He has been named the pivotal Game 3 starter with the hopes he can either clinch the series or save them from elimination. His proven success under pressure will be crucial in either of these scenarios.

Sabathia was on a roll during his short outing and may or may not pitch as well his next turn around, giving the Yankees offense a bigger responsibility.

Both pitchers have the same opportunity to rest and readjust, but Verlander has the most to gain from this rescheduling.

The rain might have saved the Tigers from their first loss in the playoffs.