Justin Verlander ready to take on do-or-die Game 5 of ALCS – MLB Preview
Being in a do-or-die situation always puts enormous pressure and when it happens with a team that has dominated most of the season, pressure can also increase with the expectations of the spectators. After losing Game 4 with a 3-7 score in the eleventh inning,
the Tigers will be putting together their best move to make their journey back into the post-season.
The American League club will align their paramount starter Justin Verlander to decide their post-season fate. On Thursday, October 13 in Game 5, the right-hander will collect his full potential to try and claw their way back in the series this weekend.
Verlander will be looking to regain his regular season momentum to remove all the allegations he received for his below average performance in Game 1. The pitcher gave away three runs and five hits including a homer over his four innings in the series-opener,
which the Tigers lost 2-3.
Manager Jim Leyland’s relief gained after winning Game 3 again went away and now it seem that Verlander is his only hope to regain some confidence and get a much needed victory.
"We're sending the guy out there that is obviously pretty good," said manager Jim Leyland.
Tigers were leading 2-0 until the sixth inning when a sudden mishap overturned the whole scenario. Rangers made three runs in the sixth and took the game into their hands.
Leyland said, "You win tomorrow and all of a sudden it's 3-2. We can count. I know what the situation is.”
It has now become the biggest challenge of the 2011 season for Verlander. The pitcher, who led the AL posting a brilliant 24-5 record with an exceptional 2.40 ERA in 34 starts, will be reassembling his fast arm to display the best ever performance possible.
Being the most deserving candidate of the AL Cy Young Award, the MLB leader will never like to face more criticism.
Leyland, however seems to be of the opinion to review his batting rotation, but he has declined the speculations of employing Delmon Young as pinch hitter. According to Leyland, it is a better idea to send the player at his designated place.
"No, I'm not going to hit for Delmon Young," said Leyland. "He's our third hitter. He's a professional hitter. He's one of the better hitters. No, I wouldn't even think about that."
With Verlander in the competition, C.J. Wilson will still be at ease because of having a 3-1 lead and an in-form destructive batting powerhouse at his back. Wilson was the winner of the last outing despite allowing six hits and two runs in just over four
innings and this win has added confidence in his pitching practice. Wilson practiced to throw perfect fastballs, especially against Miguel Cabrera, Delmon Young and Ryan Raburn.
Verlander is ready to take on every challenge and has shown confidence enough to overthrow the opposition. However, the pressure of a do-or-die situation has the potential to possibly detract him at any moment. Whatever the case will be, Verlander will utilise
his tremendous talent and effort to win not only the game, but his reputation as the best pitcher.
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