Texas felt comfortable with Nelson Cruz and a 3-1 series lead on Detroit. If C.J Wilson didn’t come through, surely Derek Holland would.
And if not, surely Colby Lewis would finish.
Now, that comfort is gone. Detroit has Delmon Young, who has matched Nelson Cruz, and they have power with Miguel Cabrera and Victor Martinez, as well as Ryan Raburn and Brandon Inge, who are both surging.
Detroit hasn’t gotten much from Justin Verlander, who has given up 12 runs in 20 and one-third innings. Although Young and the Tigers have supported him (Verlander is 2-1 in October), he will need to step up if the Tigers are to advance.
Still, Detroit is in the thick of this race. Max Scherzer has been impressive this postseason, giving up 4 runs in 13 and one-third innings. Scherzer didn’t give up a run in Game 2 and has a win and a hold this postseason.
Add in Doug Fister, and you have a stellar pitching rotation that can match the Rangers with ease. Texas has won their last three home games, but they are not a great home team, especially in October.
Right now, Game 6 is cracked up to be a great battle, but if the Tigers (who had the ball bounce their way in Game 5) can pull it out, they have the definite edge.
Fister ended the regular season with seven straight wins, and he has won his last nine starts (where he had a decision) including the deciding game in the ALDS. In Seattle, Fister had a 3.33 ERA, but only went 3-12, including a loss in New York.
His next outing in New York wasn’t great (four and two-thirds innings of relief), but he followed that by pitching five strong innings, giving up just one run in the Tigers’ 3-2 clincher.
Colby Lewis is a good pitcher, but nobody in Texas wants the ball in the hands of Doug Fister for Game 7. He already beat the Rangers, diving into the 8th and giving up just two runs.
He was strong in the ALDS, and finished the year strong, but Lewis is 0-2 against Detroit this year, giving up 17 earned runs in 13 innings. Derek Holland has been strong recently, but struggled against Detroit and their hot bats.
So while Game 6 looks even, with Delmon Young and Miguel Cabrera against Josh Hamilton and Nelson Cruz. But if Detroit pulls it out, watch out for Game 7.
Fister is lights out. Lewis; not so much.
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