Tigers set MLB record for playoff games with 10 or more strikeouts

The Detroit Tigers may already have their backs against the wall after three games of the 2012 World Series, but Jim Leyland's rock-solid pitching staff still managed to break a major-league postseason strikeout record over the weekend.

As noted by Rick Thompson, the Tigers' manager of media relations, Saturday's Game 3 marked the eighth time in the playoffs where Detroit's pitching staff combined for at least 10 strikeouts. The Tigers achieved the feat in Game 1 despite an off-night with only four strikeouts from ace right-hander Justin Verlander, and then picked up eight strikeouts from Anibal Sanchez in Saturday's loss to once again reach double digits.

Along with watching Verlander whiff 11 batters in each of his first two postseason appearances against Oakland, Detroit righty Max Scherzer also accomplished the benchmark on his own to help sweep the Yankees in Game 4 of the ALCS. Scherzer and Verlander placed first and second in the American League respectively in strikeouts during the regular season, but it's quite clear that a severe lack of offense stands to overshadow Detroit's record-breaking pitching performance this postseason.

Tigers pitchers have 10 strikeouts tonight -- the club's 8th game with 10+ strikeouts this postseason, establishing a new ML record. #tigers

— Rick Thompson (@Thompson_Tigers) October 28, 2012