New York Yankees vs. Detroit Tigers: ALDS Game 4 – MLB Post Game Analysis
A brilliant spell by A.J. Burnett helped the New York Yankees wipe out the Detroit Tigers 10-1 in game four of the American League Division Series on Tuesday, October 4 at Comerica Park in Detroit, Michigan.
Burnett was rusty early on, but a memorable leaping catch by Curtis Granderson in the first inning gave the starter enough confidence to rattle through the opposition line-up. With bases loaded, Granderson’s catch surely saved the night for Burnett as well
as the Yankees.
"If I miss that one, there's nothing there but the wall back there and some ivy," Granderson said. "Who knows what could have happened at that point -- especially with it being the first inning. We get behind in an elimination game, here in Detroit, the
fans stay in it."
The pitcher Burnett was not scheduled to start in any of the Division Series games, but rescheduling of game one due to rain forced manager Joe Girardi to include him in the rotation for game four. After CC Sabathia had lost game three for the Yankees, an
early exit was not what the team would have wanted from Burnett. The starter was dreary during the regular season and managed to win just 11 starts, but came out strong in this one and did what he was required to do.
Burnett’s win not only saved New York’s season, but his own chances of keeping a permanent spot in the rotation. Quickly recognising Granderson’s contribution, Burnett said, "We don't win that game tonight without defence,"
The Yankees' pitcher allowed just one run in his spell of 5.2 innings before Girardi removed him from the mound. His performance earned praise from Tigers’ manager Jim Leyland as well who emphasised that the starter has the ability to shut-out any quality
line-up. Analysing Burnett’s performance, Leyland stated that the starter was not precise early in his spell but picked pace as he went deep into the game.
Yankees’ manager Joe Girardi was initially not comfortable with the idea of starting with Burnett, but was quick to praise the fire thrower and stated that he was proud of his effort.
Victor Martinez was the only batter to score for the Tigers, smashing a 400-feet home-run towards right-field. Other than this, the offence was a colossal failure for the AL Central Champions. Delmon Young proved his eminence as a slugger in game three,
but failed in his three at-bats in this game to add to the problem of Detroit.
Miguel Cabrera and Ramon Santiago combined went 0-for-7 in the game to expose Detroit’s problems in intense games. With the final scheduled for Thursday, October 6 at the Bronx, the Tigers might struggle to keep their footing if their offence fails again.
Alex Rodriguez and Mark Teixeira combined had gone 1-for-21 in the first three games of the ALDS and had to fire in this game to give the Yankees a chance to defy history. Rising to the occasion, both players scored a run each to indicate their return to
form. Jesus Montero produced two hits and a run from his two at-bats to strengthen his case for an everyday spot in the line-up. The rookie has impressed in the few games that he has played and will have an important role to play in the next game.
The Yankees lost game four in 2006 against the Tigers and consequently crashed out of the post-season. Here, they have managed to level the series after game four and will have high hopes to go through to the Championship Series.
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