The Detroit Lions might as well take the rest of the month off – they’re not going to be getting much attention in Michigan over the next couple of weeks. And that, of course, is because the Tigers defeated the Oakland Athletics 6-3 on Saturday night to win the best-of-seven ALCS in four games, and advance to their first World Series since 1984.
Saturday’s hero was Magglio Ordonez, as the outfielder blasted two home runs and picked up four RBI in the victory. His second home run of the game came in the bottom of the ninth, and clinched the series for Detroit. Curtis Granderson and Craig Monroe also drove in Detroit runs in the win, while series MVP Placido Polanco had three hits.
But solid pitching was again a big story for the Tigers on Saturday night, as Jeremy Bonderman pitched into the seventh inning, and the bullpen shut down the A’s from there. Here’s a rundown of how Detroit’s starters fared for them in the four-game sweep:
Nate Robertson
Robertson tossed five scoreless innings versus the Athletics in Game 1, giving up six hits, walking three, and striking out four Oakland batters. There had been some concern about the lefthander going into the start, because he was knocked around by the Yankees back in the ALDS (seven earned runs on 12 hits over 5 2-3 innings of work).
Justin Verlander
The rookie wasn’t lights-out in Game 2 against Oakland, but his offense bailed him out by rocking opposing starter Esteban Loaiza. Verlander surrendered four earned runs on seven hits over 5 1-3 innings, but did manage to strike out six Oakland batters. Loaiza was roughed up for seven earned runs on nine hits through his weak six-inning outing.
Kenny Rogers
Veteran Rogers had the gem of the LCS with his performance against the Athletics in Game 3. The lefthander went 7 1-3 innings, giving up just two hits and keeping Oakland completely off the scoreboard. Rogers walked two and struck out six in the victory. Fernando Rodney and Todd Jones pitched the other 1 2-3 innings in the 3-0 Detroit win.
Jeremy Bonderman
Bonderman was hit in the ankle by a comebacker in the seventh inning of Game 4, and he was then pulled from the game. The score was tied at that time, but the righty had still turned in a quality start – 6 2-3 innings pitched, six hits allowed, three earned runs. Wilfredo Ledezma eventually earned the win in relief, throwing 1 1-3 scoreless innings.
Overall, Detroit’s starters compiled a 3-0 record in the ALCS against Oakland, allowing seven earned runs on 21 hits over 24.1 innings pitched, which works out to an ERA of just 2.61. And that’s a huge reason why Motown’s team is now sitting around waiting for the Mets and Cards to decide things in the National League Championship Series.
So when do the Tigers take the field again? Here’s a look at the World Series schedule:
Game 1 – Saturday, October 21 – National League Champ at Detroit, 7:30 PM ET
Game 2 – Sunday, October 22 – National League Champ at Detroit, 7:30 PM ET
Game 3 – Tuesday, October 24 – Detroit at National League Champ , 8:00 PM ET
Game 4 – Wednesday, October 25 – Detroit at National League Champ, 8:00 PM ET
Game 5 – Thursday, October 26 – Detroit at National League Champ, 8:00 PM ET
Game 6 – Saturday, October 28 – National League Champ at Detroit, 7:30 PM ET
Game 7 – Sunday, October 29 – National League Champ at Detroit, 7:30 PM ET
When Detroit won the World Series back in 1984 their opponent was the San Diego Padres; the Tigers won that set in just five games. Detroit’s previous appearance in the World Series was way back in 1968, when they edged the Cardinals in seven games to be crowned champs; a victory over the Mets would give the Cards a chance for some revenge.
