Texas Rangers geared up for ALCS challenge against Detroit Tigers – MLB Update
Defending American League Champions Texas Rangers will enter the AL Championship Series as favourites to prevail against the Detroit Tigers in Game 1 scheduled for Saturday, October 8 at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington, Arlington, Texas.
Before last year, the Rangers had never won a post-season series. Now, however, they are in their second consecutive ALCS after comprehensively overcoming the Tampa Bay Rays 3-1 in the five-game AL Division Series. Rangers will have an added advantage of
playing one extra game at home, although it might not be needed in the end.
Detroit had to fight hard against the New York Yankees in the Division Series, but Justin Verlander's trouncing of CC Sabathia will surely help their confidence against the strong defence of Texas.
Both teams will employ their aces on the mound for another classic matchup. Detroit’s 24-game winner Verlander will fight it out with Rangers’ fire thrower C.J. Wilson in a bid to give the Tigers an early boost in the series. The team which prevails in Game
1 will surely have an upper-hand in the series.
Wilson could not impress in Game 1 of the ALDS against Tampa Bay, allowing eight runs in five innings to lose the game. His form during the regular season, however, was pleasing. Wilson won 16 games and lost just seven from a total of 34 starts. He finished
the season with an earned-run average of 2.94 and will be eyeing a similar performance against the Tigers.
"That particular game was my first bad game I had in a while. I had of lot of really good games leading up to the playoffs," Wilson said. "It was unfortunate. I had extra rest. I feel like it gives me a chance to get back in my routine and execute."
Verlander sports an impressive record at Rangers Ballpark as he has won all three career starts at this ballpark and has an ERA of just 1.29. Verlander lost in his only start against the Rangers at home this season and will want to avenge that defeat when
he takes the mound on Saturday.
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