Detroit Tigers underprivileged for ALCS Game 2 against Texas Rangers – MLB Update
The Detroit Tigers entered the American League Championship Series hoping to gain early advantage over Texas Rangers at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington. However, Justin Verlander could not keep things together for the Tigers and lost his first career game
at this ballpark on Saturday, October 8 after having gone 3-0 in as many chances at an ERA of 1.29 previously.
Now, after rain has rescheduled Game 2 to Monday, October 10, the Tigers will be banking on starter Max Scherzer to help them level the series. Rangers, on the contrary, are upbeat of achieving their fifth consecutive post-season victory and consequently
taking an authoritative lead in the seven-game series.
Scherzer won his start against the New York Yankees in ALDS and then pitched in relief during Game 5, allowing one run in 1.1 innings and earning a no-decision.
Nelson Cruz proved to be the unlikely hero for the Rangers in Game 1, smashing Verlander for a home-run in the fourth inning which proved to be decisive in the end. In his 18 at-bats during the post-season so far, Cruz has managed to connect only twice,
but the timing has been crucial. Talking to reporters on the eve of Game 2, Cruz said, "You've got to stay focused. It's important to win this game and get it going. It's a good start to the series."
Tigers will enter Game 2 as underdogs, especially with Delmon Young and Magglio Ordonez ruled out of the ALCS, at least. Young has reaggravated an oblique injury while Ordonez has re-fractured his right ankle.
Detroit’s manager Jim Leyland expressed anxiety over the absence of his star players and said, "It obviously hurts a little bit. Sure, we missed that bat in there. There's no question about it. No excuses."
Rangers will employ Derek Holland on the mound to counter Scherzer. Holland won his start against Tampa Bay Rays in the ALDS and is confident of replicating that feat against the Tigers on Monday. He gave away four runs in four innings in his only start
against the Tigers back in September 2010 and will want to make-up for it by bagging a win when it matters the most.
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