MLB playoffs 2012: Tigers pitchers on verge of strikeout record

The Detroit Tigers have struck out ten or more batters in their last four postseason games, tying a record set by the 1997 Baltimore Orioles according to Rick Thompson, the Tigers media relations manager.

The streak started with the Tigers Game 4 loss to the Oakland Athletics in the American League Division Series. In that game starter Max Scherzer struck out eight batters and relievers Octavio Dotel, Al Alburquerque, Joaquin Benoit and Jose Valverde all added one more each for a total of 12 for the game. In the Tigers Game 5 win, Justin Verlander struck out 11 batters in a complete game.

In their Game 1 win of the ALCS over the New York Yankees, starter Doug Fister struck out five, Valverde added two more, Dotel notched one strikeout, and Drew Smyly struck out two for a total of ten. In the Tigers Game 2 victory, starter Anibal Sanchez struck out seven and Phil Coke added three more for ten on the game.

The Tigers start Verlander in Game 3 against the Yankees on Tuesday. Verlander struck out 11 batters in both of his ALDS starts and Detroit has struck out at least ten batters as a team in his last five starts overall.