Tigers take Gm 1 of ALCS, 5-1

Robertson, Inge & Co. rip Oakland in the ALCS opener

There may be a higher power guiding Pudge & the Tigers

GAME 1: Tigers 5-1

WP- Nate Robertson

LP- Barry Zito

HR- DET: Inge, Rodriguez

WHAT HAPPENED:

It looked like Barry Zito was going to reprise his ALDS Game 1 performance when he out pitched Johan Santan for the win. Zito retired the first 8 batters he faced on a variety of pitches, including his nasty yakker. But then Brandon Inge came up with 2 outs in the 3rd. Boom, with tone crack of the bat and one missile-shot HR, the Tigers got back on that roll that helped them off the Stankees. They would add 1 more that inning and then hang a 3-spot on the former Cy winner, started by a Pudge-less solo shot and chased Zito from the game. It was smooth sailing from there for Detroit, well except for a few 2 men on situations.

WHY OAKLAND LOST:

How about these numbers: 3-22 with men on base, 0-13 with RISP, 9 men left on and a whopping ALCS record 4 double plays grounded into. The A's had a chance to get back in it in the 4th. Down 5-0 they put the first 2 men on against Detroit starter Nate Robertson. But Nasty Nate went on to fan the next 3 hitters, pumping his fist after a filthy heater caught Marc Scutaro looking as if to say "This game is ours, boys." Although Oakland actually put pressure on the Tigers terrific pen, actually scoring a run off of Joel 103mph Zumaya,they were never seriously challenged.

INTERESTING FACT:

The last 4 teams to lose Game 1 of the ALCS went on to win the Series (Chisox, Bosox, Stanks, Angels.)

WHAT's NEXT:

Tonight the Tigers send equally nasty rookie Justin Verlander against Esteban Loiaza. Not good for Oakland when one of your most important games of the season is trusted to that 1-Year Wonder. Look for Detroit to ride the wave of a 2-o lead back to Motown.