Detroit Tigers advance to American League Championship Series

A classic victory over the legendary New York Yankees moves the Detroit Tigers to the American League Championship Series in Arlington, Texas.   The Tigers defeated the Yankees 3-2 behind some great pitching from the entire staff in the Game 5 showdown.   Doug Fister gave the Tigers five strong innings and then manager Jim Leyland went to his bullpen to nail down the victory.

Jose Valverde closed out the Tiger victory to start the celebration in the clubhouse.   The Tigers jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first inning before many of the fans were even in their seats.   Don Kelly starting at 3rd base stroked an 0-2 into the right field seats.   The next batter Delmon Young would drive the next pitch into the left field seats for a quick Tiger lead.   This set the tone for the entire game.  

The Yankees would leave numerous men in scoring position through out the game.  All-Star Alex Rodriguez who had another terrible series hitting wise would strike out in two key situations in the 8th and 9th innings with runners on base both times.   Detroit won the series 3-2 and now will move on to face the Texas Rangers starting Saturday October 8th. 

Both Max Scherzer and Joaquin Benoit pitched in relief to get the Tigers to the 9th inning.  They both threw hard and got out of some tight spots.  The pitching rotation is now set with Justin Verlander set to start Game 1 in Texas. 

The Detroit Tigers will be attempting to return to the World Series for the first time since 2006 when they faced the St. Louis Cardinals.   I believe that we could see a rematch of the 2006 Series with the Cardinals playing in their own Game 5 tonight against the upstart Milwaukee Brewers.   I see the Tigers defeating the Texas Rangers in 5 games to advance to the World Series.   Again every move that manager Jim Leyland had made has worked out.