The Detroit Tigers host the Oakland Athletics in Game 1 of the American League Division Series, which begins at 6 p.m. ET/5 p.m. CT.

The Tigers and Athletics have both been on a surge in the closing games of the 2012 season. They had to surpass teams that were holding on to first place for a good portion of the season.

For the Tigers it was A.L. Central Champs or nothing. The Chicago White Sox had a hold of first place, but then went on a losing binge while the Tigers went on a tear behind Miguel Cabrera and Justin Verlander.

For the A's, they at least had a backup as the second place team in the Wild Card, but their goal was to dethroan the Texas Rangers. They set off into a four-game series and were four games with one week left.

They then faced Texas just two games behind them in the A.L. West and the A's swept them.

It was already a surprise for the A's to sweep the back-to-back American League Champions to take the division, but it was a surprise in general that the Athletics were able to get into the playoffs, especially after the Los Angeles Angles bulked up their lineup with Albert Pujol and A.J. Wilson.

It will be the 2012 Triple Crown winner, Miguel Cabrera and Tigers' new addition, Prince Fielder, against the young pitching staff of the A's.

You can check out my predictions for this game.