Rangers vs Tigers Game 3 Odds 2011 ALCS Picks: The (2-0) Texas Rangers [+118] did what they were supposed to in the first two games of the 2011 ALCS: protect home-field advantage. Now, Ron Washington’s club will go into Comerica Park with a 2-0 lead, looking to put the soon-to-be desperate (0-2) Detroit Tigers’ [-128] backs against the wall. Game 3 of this best-of-seven series has a scheduled first pitch slated for 8:05 PM ET (7:05 PM CT) and it’ll be broadcasted live on FOX.
On the hill tonight for Tigers manager Jim Leyland will be RHP Doug Fister (2011 ALDS: 1-1, 6.52 ERA). Washington will counter Leyland by sending a righty of his own for Game 3, as Colby Lewis (2011 ALDS: 1-0, 1.50 ERA) gets the nod. As a direct result of Game 3’s pitching matchup, MLB Odds makers have set their projected OVER/UNDER at a combined total of 8½ runs scored.
It’s getting very close to a must-win situation if you’re in the Tigers dugout. With Texas proving to be a solid road team, winning two of its three games on the road against Tampa Bay, Detroit needs all hands on deck to make a series out of this. But if home-field advantage numbers mean anything, like they did in the Rangers-Rays series, the Tigers have to be feeling great about their chances to get back in this series as they go back home for the next three games.
The fact that the Rangers have the worst record by any AL team at Comerica Park since the 2000 season, gives Tigers fans a little but of hope. Tonight’s starter certainly hopes statistics play a role down 0-2 in the 2011 ALCS. Get $50 in Free MLB Picks Here!
"Obviously, there's a huge fan base in Detroit, which is terrific to play in front of," Fister said. "It's been very prevalent, especially in the postseason. We sit back, we watch everybody standing on their feet waving the white towels. It's something that gives you chills to be a part of."
My Rangers vs Tigers Game 3 Odds 2011 ALCS Pick: The fact that the Tigers have been in both games gives me optimism that they can finally get the big hits they’ve been lacking in the first two games. Getting behind its crowd and feeding off its energy is going to be crucial for Detroit. If they can take it an inning at a time, we should be in for a long series. I like the Tigers [-1½] to be the victors tonight!
