In a matchup of 45- and 22-year-old pitchers, it was a push.

Clemens gave up a season-high six earned runs, six hits and three walks over five innings.

Andrew Miller allowed six runs, six hits and three walks over 4 1-3 innings in his first start since coming off the disabled list with a hamstring injury.

Clemens’ major league debut came more than a year before Miller was born in 1985.

Miller — the sixth pick overall 14 months ago — won the Clemens Award last year as the best pitcher in college baseball. The former North Carolina star became the first to face Clemens after winning the award honoring him.

After the starters were shaky, both bullpens were solid.

Detroit’s Tim Byrdak, Jason Grilli, Bobby Seay and Rodney combined to pitch 5 2-3 innings of scoreless relief.

“To hold that lineup down for that long is amazing,” Leyland said.

Edwar Ramirez, Joba Chamberlain, Kyle Farnsworth and Luis Vizcaino combined to pitch four innings of scoreless relief.

“The bullpen was outstanding,” Clemens said.

Notes: Polanco committed an error in the first inning, ending his record errorless streak for a second baseman at 147 games, dating to July 1, 2006. ... The Yankees put LHP Ron Villone (lower back) on the DL and recalled RHP Brian Bruney from Triple-A Scranton. ... The Tigers sold 44,163 tickets and about half of those fans appeared to wait out the 4-plus hour delay. The spirited crowd booed when it was announced that the postgame fireworks show was canceled because of the condition of the field and Detroit’s noise ordinance. ... Granderson is the seventh player since 1947 to hit at least 20 triples.

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