NEW YORK (AP) -- Brandon McCarthy won his fourth straight start with a gritty effort, and the New York Yankees took the first of three straight matchups against Detroit's Cy Young Award winners, beating Max Scherzer and the Tigers 2-1 Monday night.

Brandon McCarthy #38 of the New York Yankees pitches in the first inning against the Detroit Tigers. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
Brandon McCarthy #38 of the New York Yankees pitches in the first inning against the Detroit Tigers. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
loading...

Brian McCann had an RBI single and Jacoby Ellsbury a sacrifice fly in the third, an inning in which the Tigers saved several runs with fine fielding.

McCarthy (4-0) allowed five hits and an unearned run in 5 2-3 innings. The Yankees have won each of his five starts since being acquired from Arizona. He struck out eight, including all three in the second when Victor Martinez led off with a double and Detroit loaded the bases.

Scherzer (13-4) gave up nine hits over seven innings in losing for the first time since June 17, a span of eight starts.

David Robertson was perfect in the ninth for his 30th save.

More From New Jersey 101.5 FM