The MLB Playoffs Betting Odds for Game 5 have the New York Yankees at -159 (must risk $159.00 to win $100.00) and the Detroit Tigers +149 ($100.00 wager would pay back $249.00) with the total set at 9 (over -115). The top seed in the AL, the New York Yankees, will host the Detroit Tigers beginning Thursday night with a start time and the first pitch set to be thrown at 8:07 p.m. The game will be televised nationally on TBS. Each team split games at home as the series is tied 2-2 where both teams have been able to take advantage of defense, pitching and timely hitting.
Free ALDS Analysis: When the Tigers went out and picked up Doug Fister from the Seattle Mariners in a deadline deal, they anticipated him pitching in big game situations. None will be bigger for Fister and the Tigers than Thursday night's contest. Yankee starter Ivan Nova all but dominated the Tigers in the Game 1/2 rain-lengthened contest. Each pitcher will obviously have a lot to say about the game and which team will advance to play the Texas Rangers in the ALCS. Nova was able to shut down Detroit until the Tigers scratched a few runs across in the ninth inning. Utilizing his defense, Nova, not the biggest strikeout guy, was able to get Detroit out of rhythm and swinging at pitcher's pitches. "I don't see the reason to feel pressure. It's another game. Of course, it's the most important game of the season now," Nova said. That kind of confidence will bode well for the youngster in this game. Fister enters the game fresh off giving up six runs on seven hits in less than five innings of work. That will have to improve greatly if the Tigers are to seriously contend in this game. Don Kelly will start at third base for Detroit while Magglio Ordonez will get the nod in right field. Both Fister and Nova will officially be making their first career postseason starts in this game. Tiger starters had just three hits against Nova in the opening game. The top of the order will be critical for a Tigers win, including getting on base in any way possible. Victor Martinez drew the only two walks by Detroit hitters in the opening game of the series. If that happens again, the Yankees will be heading to the ALCS.
Free Game 5 Pick: I like the Over 9 runs in this game the most of any of the bets. I have a lot of faith in Doug Fister and the ability of Detroit's lineup. However, the Yankees also have an incredible lineup of their own, which almost goes without saying. The total has gone Under in just one of the previous four games. I expect that trend to continue with runs being scored in this contest.