The Detroit Tigers bats have been colder than a Russian winter thus far in the World Series, but you can expect them to heat up in Game 3 against the San Francisco Giants.
This is a must win game for the Tigers if there ever was one. Not a single team in major league history has come back from a three game deficit in the World Series, but there chances are a lot better in a 1-2 hole.
But, in order to change the direction of the series, the Tigers bats will finally have to attend the contest.
In Game 1, Detroit only managed one run through the first eight innings.
In Game 2, it only got worse. Detroit managed only two hits against the previously struggling Madison Bumgarner.
For the series the Tigers are only hitting .167 with 17 strikeouts in 65 plate appearances, resulting in only three runs.
These are shocking numbers for a team with a Triple Crown winner and a $100-million first baseman on the roster. But, at the moment, the Tigers hitters have less pop in their bats than Alex Rodriguez in October.
Expect that to change in Game 3.
The Tigers lineup will be facing Ryan Vogelsong, who has been absolutely brilliant in the playoffs with a 2-0 record and 1.42 ERA.
However, the former journeyman will not be able to contain a motivated and talented Detroit roster. The Tigers are a fastball-hitting team, with sluggers the likes of Miguel Cabrera, Prince Fielder and Delmon Young. And with Vogelsong‘s below-average fastball speed, expect the Tigers to feast.
Vogelsong relies on his ball control and large arsenal of off-speed pitches to get hitters out, but if the Tigers are patient at the plate and lay off of the off-speed stuff, they should get good pitches to hit.
Plus, the Tigers will finally be returning home to the friendly confines of Comerica Park, where each one of their Game 3 starters—except Austin Jackson—sported better OPS than they did on the road in the regular season.
It won’t be easy, Vogelsong is on a once-in-a-career roll, but the Tigers hitters will finally awaken in Game 3, leading the Tigers to a much needed victory.
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