NEW YORK (Reuters) - The Detroit Tigers survived a stunning four-run New York rally in the bottom of the ninth to beat the Yankees 6-4 in 12 innings on Saturday in the opening game of the American League Championship Series.

Delmon Young doubled under the glove of diving Yankee right-fielder Nick Swisher to score Miguel Cabrera in the 12th with the go-ahead run and Detroit added another run in the inning as the Tigers drew first blood in the best-of-seven series.

Potentially even more damaging to New York hopes in the series was an injury to Yankee captain and shortstop Derek Jeter, who hurt his left leg diving for a ball in the 12th and was helped off the field.

Detroit led 4-0 going into the bottom of the ninth before two-run homers by both Ichiro Suzuki and Raul Ibanez off Tigers closer Jose Valverde sent the game into extra innings.

Game Two of the series that will determine the American League representative in the World Series will be played at Yankee Stadium on Sunday with New York's Hiroki Kuroda taking the mound against Anibal Sanchez of the Tigers.

(Reporting by Larry Fine, Editing by Patrick Johnston)