The Tigers streak into the final game of the regular season having won 3 in a row, 6 of 10, and 28 of 38. But, we’re still a game behind the Rangers as all Texas has done is won 5 in a row, and 9 of 10.
John Lowe covered the significance of today’s schedule in great detail this morning, as he points out that our best case scenario would be a W today, a Rangers loss, and opening the playoffs at home versus the Red Sox. The Rays pitching staff has everyone in a tizzy, but we won 6/7 against TB this year, so bring them on. But in all likelihood, we’ll be at New York on Friday night with CC Sabathia throwing a first pitch ball to AJax around 8:37pm Eastern.
A Porcello win today would grant the Tigers a trio of 15 game winners, two of whom posted a 4.4+ ERA. That says an awful lot about our lineup & bullpen.
Congrats to JV who, unless Weaver appears for a few scoreless innings, will win the pitching triple crown. Kershaw will do the same in LA, and this marks the first time since 1924 that both leagues have produced a triple crown winner.
Tonight’s Home Field Clinching Lineup Feature POG Prediction Ramon Santiago (and eventual ALCS MVP).
1. Austin Jackson, CF
2. Wilson Betemit, 3B
3. Delmon Young, LF
4. Miguel Cabrera, 1B
5. Victor Martinez, DH
6. Alex Avila, C
7. Jhonny Peralta, SS
8. Don Kelly, RF
9. Ramon Santiago, 2B