The Giants are a win away from taking home the World Series trophy, and have ace Matt Cain on the mound Sunday night in hopes of sweeping the Tigers. Detroit counters with Max Scherzer looking to extend the Series just one more game. Check out our MLB pick for the contest.
It's obvious that Detroit Tigers hitters are attending this year's World Series as zombies from The Walking Dead. From what I hear, it's a very popular costume this year, though it appears the Tigers won't be needing them for the actual Halloween celebration this Wednesday when Game 6 of the 2012 World Series is tentatively scheduled.
That's because the San Francisco Giants are playing the part of zombie killers following Saturday's victory in Motown to get their clutches on a 3-0 stranglehold in the Series.
A second consecutive 2-0 shutout by San Francisco hurlers leaves the Giants one win away from their second championship in three years. As if that wasn't enough good news, Bruce Bochy's club gets to take its first swipe at grabbing the hardware with ace Matt Cain on the mound at Comerica Park as the +125 underdog, with Detroit favored at -135.
The bad news for Jim Leyland and his team is they will need a comeback of historical proportions if the franchise's first World Series title since 1984 is to be. Max Scherzer will be Detroit 's first last-line-of-defense when Game 4 gets underway, and the early MLB odds have established a 7 run total (U -125).
As hopeless as things may appear for the Tigers, Leyland & Co. know they really are just one win away from having a decent shot at making history by becoming the first team to battle back from a 3-0 hole. It obviously all starts with a Game 4 dubya, which would then be followed by Justin Verlander on the mound Monday in Game 5.
They also know that winning at least four straight contests is something they accomplished seven times this year, including their first four games of the regular season. Going out with four consecutive triumphs would make for a perfect bookend to the campaign.
Will Miggy & Prince Wake Up In Time To Save Season?
Of course, winning just one game is asking a lot considering how quiet Detroit 's offense has been. The Tigers became the first team in more than 90 years to be shutout in back-to-back World Series games with Saturday's second consecutive 2-0 setback, and without Jhonny Peralta's 2-run blast in the ninth inning of Game 1, it would be an even bigger embarrassment.
With only three plate crossings in the first three games and a .165 team batting average,Detroit 's offensive woes are at historical proportions. Consider that the last two teams to be swept in the World Series, the 2005 Astros and 2007 Rockies, weren't even close to this level of ineptitude, and you have a good idea just how bad things are going for the Tigers.
The two most obvious culprits are Miguel Cabrera and Prince Fielder, a combined 3-for-19 with just one RBI. Detroit can win one game, or even two, without the two sluggers getting things in gear, but one or both will need to come to party if the Tigers are going to win the next four.
A Little Motown Offense Could Go A Long Way
It's not like the Giants are tearing the cover off the ball themselves. Take away Pablo Sandoval's outburst in Game 1, and San Fran is hitting just over .200 through the first three games. Scherzer, Verlander and then Doug Fister in a potential Game 6 are each capable of keeping the Giants frustrated and off the pay station.
Besides their offense coming back to life, Detroit will also need the bullpen to shine tonight since we do not expect Scherzer to go more than five innings, possibly working into the sixth at best. Any early trouble will mean Drew Smyly or Rick Porcello making an appearance.
Bettors have different ideas and opinions when it comes to hedging, and it's not something I do very often myself. But Game 4 of the World Series practically begs for it on my end with a Giants +150 ticket to win the series. My play on Sunday will even go one step further than a simple hedge by taking the Tigers on the run line.
My pick: Tigers -1.5 (+160) ---
Комментариев нет:
Отправить комментарий