Tigers vs. Rangers Game #5

Justin Verlander pitched 7 1/3 strong innings to help the Detroit Tigers defeat the Texas Rangers in Game 5 @ Comerica Park.   The Tigers would bang out four Home Runs in this game to let the Rangers that they wouldn't go down without a fight.  The victory now sends the ALCS back to Arlington, Texas for Game 6 on Saturday night.  

The Tigers would win 7-5 over the Rangers by getting 10 hits with Delmon Young leading the way with 2 Home Runs still playing with some sore ribs.  Alex Avilla and Ryan Rayburn would provide the other 2 Home Runs to give pitcher Justin Verlander some room to work with.   Entering the 8th inning Verlander already at 127 pitches would be throwing the ball at 100 mph.  Nelson Cruz the star of the ALCS for Rangers hit his fifth Home Run of the series to bring the Ranger within a 7-4 lead.

Manager Jim Leyland then would turn to the bullpen and reliever Phil Coke who would pitch an 1 2/3 of great relief often touching 97 mph.  Texas starter C.J. Wilson didn't have his usual great stuff and took the loss for the Rangers. 

Game #5 started in some nice weather with sunny skies and 64 degrees to help the sold out crowd get into the game.   It was quiet for the first 3 innings and then they got into the game.   Now its off to Texas for at least game 6 with Max Scherzer the scheduled starter on Saturday night.   I still believe that the Tigers will come back and win the ALCS and eventually face the St. Louis Cardinals in the 2011 World Series a rematch of the 2006 World Series.