SB Nation Detroit - ALCS Game 6: Tigers' Season Ends With 15-5 Loss To Rangershttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48919/detroit-fave.png2011-10-16T00:27:43-04:00http://detroit.sbnation.com/rss/stream/22556232011-10-16T00:27:43-04:002011-10-16T00:27:43-04:00Tigers Vs. Rangers Score: Texas Stampedes Detroit For 15-5 Win And ALCS Victory
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/H1nkJZEKgNB4flMOTtEjqeuhPPs=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828117/large_detroit.sbnation.com.minimal.66294.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>Perhaps the Detroit Tigers gave all they had in winning Thursday’s Game 5 of the <span class="caps">ALCS</span>. That was their last hurrah, in front of the Comerica Park crowd for the last time this season.</p>
<p>The effort of trying to stay alive in the <span class="caps">ALCS</span> after falling behind 2-0 and 3-1 in the series finally gave out in Game 6 at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington. Pitching carried the Tigers through the regular season and postseason but crumbled against a relentless Rangers lineup that constantly brings a threat to the plate.</p>
<p>Texas wins the American League championship and is off to the World Series for the second consecutive season after beating the Tigers 15-5 in Game 6 of the <span class="caps">ALCS</span>. Nelson Cruz was an easy choice for <span class="caps">MVP</span> of the series after hitting six home runs — including a two-run shot in Game 6 — against Detroit.</p>
<p>Detroit needed a great start from their starting pitcher Max Scherzer, and unfortunately didn’t get it. Scherzer lasted only 2 1/3 innings, lacking the sharp control that he displayed in his previous postseason outings. Not being able to locate his secondary pitches gave him major problems and the Rangers took advantage.</p>
<p>But Scherzer is hardly the only reason the Tigers lost on Saturday. Pitching failed them across the board. No matter who else Leyland brought in from the bullpen, they couldn’t stanch the bleeding.</p>
<p>Daniel Schlereth and Rick Porcello couldn’t defuse the explosive situation Scherzer created in the third inning — a frame in which Texas scored nine runs and put the game out of reach. And Brad Penny confirmed his lower standing on the Tigers’ playoff pitching staff with a simply awful performance.</p>
<p>Realistically, the game was already out of hand and the series was lost by the time Penny took the mound in the sixth inning. But whatever slim hope the Tigers may have had by that point was lit up in flames by Penny pitching batting practice to the Rangers. In just 1 2/3 innings of work, he allowed five runs on seven hits with two walks and two home runs. Maybe Penny will pitch better in the National League next year.</p>
<p>Miguel Cabrera hit two home runs for the Tigers in a losing effort, including a bomb off Mike Adams in the ninth. But obviously, it was hardly enough against the Rangers’ offensive onslaught. Jhonny Peralta and Austin Jackson also homered for Detroit, while Victor Martinez batted 3-for-4.</p>
<p>So a thrilling season for the Tigers finally comes to an end. The Rangers were the better team in this series and the Game 6 blowout put an exclamation point on that. Despite that, Detroit hung tough for five of the six games and if they’d been able to break through against a deep Rangers bullpen, perhaps the series could’ve turned out differently. But that’s a point that can be examined further in the days to come.</p>
<p>95 wins, an AL Central title, and an <span class="caps">ALDS</span> victory over the New York Yankees was a fine season. Cabrera won a batting title. Jose Valverde racked up 49 saves without blowing one. Justin Verlander will almost certainly win the AL Cy Young Award. And we saw the emergence of two players who will hopefully continue to be starts in Alex Avila and Doug Fister.</p>
<p>Before dissecting the roster to figure out what needs to be done for next season (and there will be plenty of that), the Tigers gave us a lot to appreciate this season. That final loss was embarrassing and it hurt, but it certainly does nothing to change what came before it. The 2011 season was a thrill ride that deserves a standing ovation.</p>
https://detroit.sbnation.com/detroit-tigers/2011/10/16/2493095/tigers-vs-rangers-score-texas-stampedes-detroit-for-15-5-win-and-alcsIan Casselberry2011-10-15T22:57:38-04:002011-10-15T22:57:38-04:00Tigers Vs. Rangers Score: Texas Leads Detroit 12-4 After Six Innings
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/H1nkJZEKgNB4flMOTtEjqeuhPPs=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828117/large_detroit.sbnation.com.minimal.66294.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>If you weren’t aware of the score, the first postseason appearance of Brad Penny for the Detroit Tigers might tell you all you need to know.</p>
<p>The Texas Rangers have a 12-4 lead over the Tigers after six innings in Game 6 of the <span class="caps">ALCS</span>.</p>
<p>Detroit chipped away slightly at the Rangers’ 9-2 lead on a two-run homer by Austin Jackson in the fifth inning. Texas quickly got one of those runs back with a sacrifice fly by Josh Hamilton driving in Ian Kinsler.</p>
<p>But when Penny took over in the sixth, he quickly reminded everyone why the Tigers hadn’t put him on the mound yet this postseason (and why his spot on the playoff roster was in doubt as the regular season ended).</p>
<p>On Penny’s very first pitch, Adrian Beltre hit a missile to left field for a leadoff double. The righthander retired the next two batters, but after an intentional walk to Daniel Murphy, Craig Gentry and Ian Kinsler followed up with <span class="caps">RBI</span> singles to further expand the Rangers’ lead.</p>
<p>Once again, the Texas bullpen has done an excellent job of keeping the Tigers in check. Scott Feldman retired the lone batter he faced (Ryan Raburn) after taking over for Derek Holland. Alexi Ogando then took over and has pitched two shutout innings for the Rangers, allowing one hit and striking out three batters.</p>
<p>Will Penny be left out to dry for the rest of this game? He’s certainly gotten enough rest for a long outing, but might not be stretched out after a long break. But with an eight-run margin, Penny could get the chance for a long goodbye to Tigers fans.</p>
https://detroit.sbnation.com/detroit-tigers/2011/10/15/2492979/tigers-vs-rangers-score-texas-leads-detroit-12-4-after-six-inningsIan Casselberry2011-10-15T22:14:50-04:002011-10-15T22:14:50-04:00Tigers Vs. Rangers Score: Texas Explodes For 9 Runs In 3rd Inning For 9-2 Lead
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/H1nkJZEKgNB4flMOTtEjqeuhPPs=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828117/large_detroit.sbnation.com.minimal.66294.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>Game 6 of the <span class="caps">ALCS</span> started out promisingly for the Detroit Tigers, with home runs by Miguel Cabrera and Jhonny Peralta giving the team a 2-0 lead over the Texas Rangers after the first two innings of play.</p>
<p>But it all fell apart in an explosive way for the Tigers and Max Scherzer in the bottom half of the third inning. After getting Ian Kinsler to ground out to begin the inning, the next six Texas batters reached base. Michael Young drove in two runs with a double and Adrian Beltre followed up with a <span class="caps">RBI</span> single up the middle to give the Rangers a 3-2 lead.</p>
<p>However, it didn’t stop there. Scherzer walked the next two batters — giving him three for the inning — to load the bases and was pulled from the game. But Daniel Schlereth could not put out the fire. Brought in to face the left-handed David Murphy, Schlereth promptly gave up a single to left field that scored two more runs. 5-2, Rangers.</p>
<p>Still, it did not stop. Schlereth was replaced by Rick Porcello, who Jim Leyland said would likely be used in relief, if needed. Porcello then served up another single to left — this one by Ian Kinsler — that drove in yet two more runs. Elvis Andrus followed up by grounding into a fielder’s choice, after which Josh Hamilton was intentionally walked to bring Young back to the plate.</p>
<p>Remember when Young was struggling in this series, prompting many writers (such as this one) to say that Rangers manager Ron Washington to take him out of the cleanup spot in the batting order? He’s not struggling anymore. Young doubled to right field to drive in another two runs and chase Porcello from the game. 9-2, Rangers.</p>
<p>Ryan Perry took over for Porcello and finally — mercifully — ended the third inning by getting Beltre to fly out to left field.</p>
<p>Nine runs. Six hits. Four walks (one intentional). One error (on Delmon Young, who had trouble fielding Kinsler’s single).</p>
<p>That explosion may very well have ended the Tigers’ 2011 season and clinched a return trip to the World Series for the Rangers. Getting 2 1/3 innings from Scherzer and burning through four pitchers after three frames was not the formula you would’ve drawn up for a Tigers victory.</p>
<p>Never mind that Detroit has to score seven runs to tie the game. They’ve scored five or more runs in four of the Tigers’ 11 games this postseason. If they can pull off a comeback from this, this really is a team of destiny. Right now, however, the immediate future looks rather bleak.</p>
https://detroit.sbnation.com/detroit-tigers/2011/10/15/2492916/tigers-vs-rangers-score-texas-explodes-for-9-runs-in-3rd-inning-for-9Ian Casselberry2011-10-15T17:49:53-04:002011-10-15T17:49:53-04:00Tigers Vs. Rangers: Lineups For Game 6 Of ALCS
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/H1nkJZEKgNB4flMOTtEjqeuhPPs=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828117/large_detroit.sbnation.com.minimal.66294.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>The starting lineups for the Detroit Tigers and Texas Rangers in Game 6 of the <span class="caps">ALCS</span> have been announced. No big surprises on either side.</p>
<p>The Tigers will stick with Miguel Cabrera batting third and Victor Martinez in the cleanup spot. With Ryan Raburn in the No. 2 hole, it’s virtually the same lineup Jim Leyland made out for <a href="http://detroit.sbnation.com/detroit-tigers/2011/10/13/2488213/mlb-playoffs-2011-tigers-vs-rangers-alcs-game-5">Game 5</a>. And since that batting order scored seven runs, maybe it’s best not to tinker too much.</p>
<p>Rangers manager Ron Washington continues to stick with Michael Young in the cleanup spot. But Young did get two hits in Game 5, so perhaps he’s finally turning things around. Endy Chavez also provides some speed at the bottom of the order for Texas.</p>
<p>Max Scherzer is the Tigers’ starting pitcher. In Game 2, he allowed three runs over six innings, but took a no-decision as Detroit couldn’t break a 3-3 tie and the bullpen eventually lost the game in extra innings.</p>
<p>Derek Holland gets the start for Texas. He also allowed three runs, but lasted only 2 2/3 innings with Scott Feldman pitching four scoreless innings of relief to pick up the Rangers. Can the Tigers rough Holland up again the second time around?</p>
<p>Here are the starting lineups:</p>
<p><strong>Detroit Tigers</strong><br>
1. Austin Jackson CF<br>
2. Ryan Raburn RF<br>
3. Miguel Cabrera 1B<br>
4. Victor Martinez DH<br>
5. Delmon Young LF<br>
6. Jhonny Peralta SS<br>
7. Alex Avila C<br>
8. Brandon Inge 3B<br>
9. Ramon Santiago 2B</p>
<p><strong>Texas Rangers</strong><br>
1. Ian Kinsler 2B<br>
2. Elvis Andrus SS<br>
3. Josh Hamilton CF<br>
4. Michael Young 1B<br>
5. Adrian Beltre 3B<br>
6. Mike Napoli C<br>
7. Nelson Cruz RF<br>
8. David Murphy DH<br>
9. Endy Chavez LF</p>
https://detroit.sbnation.com/detroit-tigers/2011/10/15/2492510/tigers-vs-rangers-lineups-for-game-6-of-alcsIan Casselberry2011-10-15T01:44:03-04:002011-10-15T01:44:03-04:00MLB Playoffs, ALCS Game 6: Detroit Tigers Vs. Texas Rangers
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/H1nkJZEKgNB4flMOTtEjqeuhPPs=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828117/large_detroit.sbnation.com.minimal.66294.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>For more on the Tigers, check out <a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/">Bless You Boys</a>.</p> <p>Thanks to some luck and several home runs, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blessyouboys.com/">Detroit Tigers</a> were able to keep their season alive with a <a href="http://detroit.sbnation.com/detroit-tigers/2011/10/13/2488213/mlb-playoffs-2011-tigers-vs-rangers-alcs-game-5">7-5 victory on Thursday</a> against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.lonestarball.com/">Texas Rangers</a>. Now the ALCS heads back to Texas, where the Tigers lost Games 1 and 2. If the Tigers want to extend the series and their season, they will need a win in Arlington on Saturday.</p>
<p>Saturday's game features a matchup between <span>Max Scherzer</span> and <span>Derek Holland</span>, the Game 2 starters. Scherzer pitched six innings in that game and gave up six hits and three runs. He had six strikeouts and put the Tigers in position to win. Holland also put the Tigers in position to win by going only 2.2 innings and allowing four hits and three runs. His quick exit forced <span>Scott Feldman</span> into the game, and he and the rest of the Rangers bullpen shut down the Tigers in a game that went 11 innings and ended with a Nelson Cruz walk-off grand slam.</p>
<p>If the Tigers are able to win on Saturday night, <span>Doug Fister</span> will get the start in Game 7 on Sunday night. The Tigers and Rangers would play a sudden-death game for a spot in the World Series against either the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.brewcrewball.com/">Milwaukee Brewers</a> or the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.vivaelbirdos.com/">St. Louis Cardinals</a>.</p>
<p>Of course, the Rangers are hoping history will repeat itself as they look to lock up a spot in the World Series on Saturday. In 2010, the Rangers had a 3-1 series lead against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.pinstripealley.com/">New York Yankees</a> in the ALCS and fell in Game 5. They responded by winning Game 6 at home to clinch a trip to the World Series, and if history does repeat itself, they will clinch a trip to the World Series for the second year in a row.</p>
https://detroit.sbnation.com/detroit-tigers/2011/10/15/2491555/mlb-playoffs-alcs-game-6-detroit-tigers-vs-texas-rangersSean Yuille