Doug Fister powers Detroit Tigers to 5-2 win over Texas Rangers – MLB Update
After Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer had failed to impress for Detroit Tigers in Game 1 and 2 respectively, Doug Fister rose to the occasion to give his new team a handy win in Game 3 of the American League Championship Series on Tuesday, October 11 at Comerica Park in Detroit, Michigan.
Fister tossed 7.1 innings for just two runs and seven hits to finish his spell at an earned-run average of 2.45 and subsequently win his start for the Tigers. He starred in the AL Division Series as well, winning against the New York Yankees when his team needed him to fire.
Prior to his acquisition by the Tigers on the midseason trade deadline, Fister had struggled with the Seattle Mariners. However, after a change in jersey, there was a formidable turnaround in the numbers as well. In 10 starts for Detroit during the regular season, the right-handed pitcher managed an exemplary 8-1 record at an ERA of just 1.79.
His record at Comerica Park was even more alarming. He won four out of five starts and managed a no-decision in one during the regular season. Talking to reporters on the eve of Game 3, Fister remained confident of coming out unscathed from the all-important game.
Nelson Cruz was the biggest threat in Rangers’ line-up for the game. He smashed a walk-off Grand Slam in Game 2 to register his name in the record books of baseball, but Detroit’s starter showed enough versatility to silence Cruz.
Cruz, however, remained adamant that the team’s confidence will not be dented after his failure to connect in his three at-bats. He said, "We have nothing to worry about. We knew we were playing a good team, and they beat us. We know how to deal with that. We'll be fine."
Detroit’s manager Jim Leyland was satisfied with Fister’s performance and will now want to hold him till the Tigers desperately need him. Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer will now have to fire as well to give their team a chance for the pennant and then maybe a World Series stint.
Having said this, only three teams in the history of baseball have been successful in overcoming a two-game deficit in the seven-game Championship Series.
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