Max Scherzer positive of winning ALCS Game 2 against Derek Holland – MLB Update
After Justin Verlander lost against the Texas Rangers in Game 1 of the American League Championship Series on Saturday, October 8, Max Scherzer will try his luck against Derek Holland in Game 2 rescheduled for Monday, October 10 at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington.
Rick Porcello was originally scheduled to start Game 2, but was forced to pitch in relief on Saturday following rain delays. Thereafter, Scherzer convinced manager Jim Leyland that he was geared up to take the mound in a bid to bring the Tigers level with
the Rangers in the seven-game series.
Scherzer started Game 2 for Detroit against New York Yankees in the AL Division Series and came out victorious, pitching six scoreless innings amid just two hits. He took the mound in Game 5 as well, pitching 1.1 innings in relief and allowing just one run
to earn a no-decision.
In six career starts against the Rangers, Scherzer has prevailed in three and has never lost a game. Playing in Arlington, Scherzer has a win-loss record of 1-0 from two starts at an earned-run average of 6.00. Given the fact that this is a batters’ paradise,
runs are expected to come in plenty.
Rangers will be eyeing Adrian Beltre and Nelson Cruz to tackle Detroit’s bull-pen. Beltre smashed three home-runs against Tampa Bay Rays in the 4-3 series-winning Game 4 of the ALDS and is 4-for-11 versus Scherzer. Cruz, on the contrary, is finding his hitting
groove and is 4-for-15 against Detroit’s starter. One of the four hits was a home-run. Scherzer, however, was confident of overcoming all obstacles and winning the game for Detroit.
Holland, on the other hand, believes that he is calmer now and has learned a lot from his last year’s experience.
"I have a better idea how to handle myself as a starter," Holland said. "This year it's a big difference. I'm a lot more relaxed and I would say composed."
Holland highlighted that the Tigers have a strong line-up and it will not be easy to halt them. He further added that after an offensive failure in Game 1, the Tigers are expected to adopt an aggressive approach on Game 2.
It will be interesting to see how far Scherzer’s confidence can take the depleted Tigers.
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