Let's face it, Justin Verlander is the best pitcher in the majors. He takes the mound for the Detroit Tigers in Game 1 of the World Series against the San Francisco Giants. He is the reason why the Tigers will win Game 1.
The one and only time I was correct about a prediction was the last time Verlander was on the mound against the New York Yankees. By that time I was convinced that Verlander was ready to pitch in the playoffs.
Prior to 2012, Verlander was not an ace for the Tigers in the postseason. I say the only reason why Detroit got to the ALCS last season was because of Doug Fister.
Last season, Verlander went 2-1 with a 5.31 ERA pitching 19.1 innings and allowing 11 runs. That is not ace quality.
This season however, Verlander is doing everything right. He is 3-0 with a 0.74 ERA in 24.1 innings pitched allowing just two earned runs.
Even when in the dugout he finds a way to lead the team to victory.
That's the kind of roll the Tigers have been on this season.
Yeah, Barry Zito did a great job of pitching the San Francisco Giants into a Game 6 and keeping them alive, but Justin Verlander also knows a thing or two about pressure cooked situations as he completely shutdown the Oakland Athletics in Game 5 of the ALDS and it was also on the road.
Zito is not an ace anymore. Not taking anything away from him and the Giants' victory in Game 5 of the NLCS, but that was not the Zito the Giants had seen all season long.
He had four starts where he did not allow a run and it's the first time in his postseason career that he has done it in the playoffs.
Highly doubt Zito can duplicate this performance against the Tigers.
The Tigers hit as a team against the Yankees and Athletics. Jhonny Peralta leads the team in hits. Delmon Young leads the team in postseason RBI and is tied with Peralta for the team lead in home runs. Omar Infante leads the team in runs scored.
Score Prediction: The Tigers have had a long rest, so they might be rusty. They already disrespected the best lefty in baseball, CC Sabathia. I can see Zito's breaking ball getting smacked around tonight.
Score will be 4-1 Tigers