Rangers vs Tigers Game 5 Odds 2011 ALCS Picks: The (3-1) Texas Rangers [+136 ML] have looked like an unstoppable force this postseason and today, they will have their first opportunity to close out the MLB Odds underdog (1-3) Detroit Tigers [-146 ML] and advance to the 2011 World Series for a second consecutive year. Get $50 in Free MLB Picks Here!
Game 5 of this best-of-seven series is scheduled to get underway this afternoon at 4:20 PM ET live on TBS Sports. The OVER/UNDER is set at a low combined total of 7 runs scored based on the following pitching matchup: LHP CJ Wilson (2011 Playoffs: 0-1, 7.45 ERA) vs RHP Justin Verlander (2011 Playoffs: 1-1, 5.54 ERA).
Jim Leyland hopes that his star ace will be as good as he was during the regular season for his team to have any hopes of extending the series to a fifth game. Throughout the entire postseason, the Rangers have been able to neutralize their opposition, by beating them on the road.
Going into Game 4 of the 2011 ALCS, the Rangers are undefeated on the road with a 4-0 record. Texas closed out the Tampa Bay Rays by beating them twice at Tropicana Field, and will have the opportunity to accomplish the same feat tonight at Comerica Park versus the Tigers.
“People ask me, and I say the same thing. I'm in the playoffs. Where else would I rather be than [here] right now?” said the Rangers’ starter for Game 4. “This is the ultimate spot to be. We have a lead. Obviously, we're happy about that. We're in a good position. I'm in a good organization. I've worked my whole life to get to this point. So I'm not going to misappropriate any mental resources toward the future. The only future for me is tomorrow. That's the only thing I'm worried about right now.”
For the Tigers, there’s no one else they rather see take the hill on an elimination game than the 2011 Cy Young/MVP frontrunner. Verlander, who started the series opener in Texas, will need to be at his best against a relentless Rangers lineup. Verlander has a 2-3 record in the postseason with a 5.71 ERA in 34.2 innings pitched. Can Verlander stop the Rangers momentum and make the series 3-2 before heading back to Rangers Ballpark?
My Game 5 Odds 2011 ALCS Picks: With everything on the line, Verlander should be at his best. Although I liked Detroit at the start of this series, Texas has proven to be a championship caliber team for a second consecutive season. Thus, I don’t see any way that the Tigers can comeback and win this series, but I do see Verlander delaying the inevitable. I like Detroit tonight!
