The Detroit Tigers are facing a 3-1 deficit as Game 5 of the ALCS nears. In a few hours, the Tigers will take on the Texas Rangers in what could very well be their final game of 2011. They need a win to extend their season, cut the series deficit to 3-2 and force a Game 6 in Texas.
Luckily, the best pitcher in baseball this season, Justin Verlander, will take the hill for the Tigers. He has had to deal with rain in two of his three postseason starts, and of course, rain is in the forecast on Thursday. The hope is the Tigers can get the game in before any rain comes, because their bullpen is very limited. Jose Valverde and Joaquin Benoit won't be available for Detroit, and Jim Leyland said he wants to get through the game with Verlander and Phil Coke. If the rain holds off, expect Verlander to go at least eight innings if he is pitching well.
With Verlander on the hill, sometimes just one run has been enough for the Tigers to win. Obviously it'd be nice if the offense puts up more than that, but with their struggles, that might be asking a lot. Here's the lineup that will look to give some support to Verlander in Game 5:
1. Austin Jackson, CF
2. Ryan Raburn, RF
3. Miguel Cabrera, 1B
4. Victor Martinez, DH
5. Delmon Young, LF
6. Jhonny Peralta, SS
7. Brandon Inge, 3B
8. Alex Avila, C
9. Ramon Santiago, 2B
Pitching: Justin Verlander
And here's the Rangers lineup:
1. Ian Kinsler, 2B
2. Elvis Andrus, SS
3. Josh Hamilton, CF
4. Michael Young, DH
5. Adrian Beltre, 3B
6. Mike Napoli, C
7. Nelson Cruz, RF
8. David Murphy, LF
9. Mitch Moreland, 1B
Pitching: C.J. Wilson