Robinson Cano was the most valuable player Saturday night, but in Game 2 of the ALDS on Sunday, the slugger couldn’t be the hero and save the Yankees in their late game rally, as the Detroit Tigers defeated New York (5-3) to even the series (1-1).

After Detroit starter Max Scherzer pitched sixth shut-out innings in the Bronx, in the ninth, Tigers closer Jose Valverde held off a resounding Yankee comeback, led by outfielder Nick Swisher’s solo homerun (his 4th career postseason homer) that ignited New York’s offense.

Jorge Posada followed with his first career postseason triple and scored off an Andrew Jones sacrifice fly. The Yankees scored twice in the inning, and caught a much-needed break when Detroit catcher Alex Avila lost his footing on a slick on-deck circle, which led to a Curtis Granderson walk.

Cano, who hit a grand slam and had six RBIs in the series opener, entered the batter’s box with two outs and runners on first and second. The rain started to come down in the Bronx, as Cano fell behind in the count. Wiping away the raindrops from his helmet, Robbie hit a groundball towards first base, for the out and the end of the game.

Game 3 is Monday night in Detroit. In what’s being pegged as a rematch of Game 1′s heavyweight pitching duel, Yankees ace CC Sabathia, again, will start against Detroit’s Justin Verlander. The two All-Stars faced each other in the series opener Friday night, but the game was postponed, due to rain, after only an inning and a half of play.