The Boston Red Sox take on the Detroit Tigers in Game 5 of the ALCS tonight from Motown. The game is scheduled for an 8:05 p.m. start time and it will be televised nationally on FOX. Currently the odds for the game have the Tigers favored at home.
Jim Leyland took a major risk in Game 4 Wednesday, moving Austin Jackson from the top of the lineup down to the eighth spot. Torii Hunter moved into the leadoff spot and did a very solid job for the Tigers. Jackson reached base four times and looked considerably comfortable in his spot. Expect them both to be in the same slots tonight.
Anibal Sanchez gets the ball from Leyland tonight. He didn't give up a hit to the Red Sox through six innings in Game 1 of the series, but his pitch count was awfully high, so the Tigers went to their bullpen. The Tigers' starting pitching has allowed three runs while striking out 42 in 27 innings in the series. Sanchez will oppose Jon Lester of the Red Sox in tonight's game. Lester scattered six hits over 6 1/3 innings in the opening game of this ALCS.
Jacoby Ellsbury was about the only bright spot for Boston in Game 4 last night, collecting four hits. The Red Sox went just 2 of 16 with runners in scoring position overall last night.
Miguel Cabrera seems to be taking a better approach at the plate. We know he's banged up, but he still had two hits last night and drove in a couple of runs last night. Cabrera does have some pretty solid numbers against Lester in his career, logging 11 hits in 21 at bats with a home run and a couple of doubles.
The Tiger offense last night showed why they were the second best lineup in baseball this year. Boston finished as the most productive offense, but neither team has really been able to score any runs. The seven runs by Detroit in Game 4 was the most by either team so far this series and equaled the amount of runs Boston scored through the first three games.
Detroit was a great team at home all year and this could be the final home game for them this season. Sanchez went 8-3 in 14 home starts this season. He's looked very sharp in the playoffs. In road games this year, Lester was 8-7 with an ERA at 4.21 in those games. He won his only start at Comerica Park this season, but did give up five earned runs in 5 2/3 innings.
We like Detroit at home in a game where they'll look to take the same approach as last night. They're shooting fastballs to center and right field while jumping on breaking balls and pulling them for big hits. Look for Detroit to get a great start from Sanchez.
Free Pick: Detroit 6, Boston 3
NFL Free Picks: Denver Broncos vs Indianapolis Colts Betting
What pro football bettors need to know about betting Denver Broncos vs Indianapolis Colts on Sunday (10/20/13) - a free pick from Pregame.com's Steve Fezzik, with Brady Kannon.
$25 of picks FREE! No Obligation - No Credit Card Required - Becoming a member is Fast and Free! | RJ Bell Talks Daily Fantasy Sports — LISTEN on Soundcloud