NEW YORK (AP) — Tigers manager Jim Leyland tracked Curtis Granderson’s popup in the rain, anticipating the game’s final out. Then Alex Avila stepped on the on-deck circle and slipped.

The Yankees’ MVP candidate had another chance.

Not a good feeling.

“It wasn’t my most pleasant moment,” Leyland said. “All of a sudden, against anybody — but particularly against a team like them with the short porch in right field. … But it worked out OK.”

Boy, did it.

Detroit closer Jose Valverde walked Granderson to put runners on first and second, but he recovered to retire the dangerous Robinson Cano and finish the Tigers’ 5-3 victory over New York on Sunday that evened the AL division series at one game apiece.

“It’s tough to win games here, especially in the playoffs,” Avila said. “You get what you can and get ready for the next game and that’s all you can think about.”

Playing on the scheduled travel day because rain interrupted Game 1, the Tigers now fly home with a chance to take command of the series, just as they did in 2006, when they lost the opener in New York before sweeping three straight.

Game 3 is Monday. In a rematch, of sorts, CC Sabathia is scheduled to start against Justin Verlander, a 24-game winner.