The Boston Red Sox and Detroit Tigers hook up in an important Game 5. The winner takes a 3-2 lead, just one win away from winning the AL Pennant and appearing in the 2013 World Series. The Tigers are trying to redeem their 2012 loss in the Fall Classic, while the Red Sox are trying to gain return for the first time in over six years. Listen to Game 5 online, for free, as ESPN Radio brings you all the action.
Jim Leyland probably chuckled at writers as they criticized and ballooned his decision to shuffle his lineup. Maybe one day it will end up getting sold for millions on eBay or MLB will auction the lineup card for a couple of hundred thousand bucks. For now, Leyland stands as the most daring, but the brightest coach, following his hunt and making the adequate changest to awaken his lineup.
Or... was it luck? Jake Peavy has never been a solid postseason pitcher. Prince Fielder at leadoff would have probably been as effective as Torii Hunter. When Peavy walks Austin Jackson a player with only one hit at the time. That says it all. Also in that inning, the sure handed Dustin Pedroia was gobbled up by a grounder hit right at him. It should have been an inning ending double play, instead, the Tigers went on to pile five runs in the inning.
Tonight, the Tigers will place Anibal Sanchez on the mound. He was out of control in Game 1, yet, he struckout 12 Red Sox. For every walk, he struck out two batters in that outing, while not allowing a hit while he was on the mound. Many disliked Leyland removing Sanchez as he possesed a no-hitter, especially since he had only thrown 116 pitches, 66 of which were strikes, which is not too attractive.
Click here for the Red Sox vs. Tigers radio stream as they meet for Game 5 of the ALCS
The Red Sox season could be on the line tonight. Actually, after yesterday's loss, they might have signed their season away. They could not hit Sanchez, they only had two against Max Scherzer in Game 2 and they barely scored against Justin Verlander. The one good thing for the Red Sox is that Jon Lester will get the ball. He has been lights out in the postseason, though he took the loss in Game 1 after going 6.1 innings, allowing just one earned run.
Lose tonight and the Red Sox are practically done for.
Enjoy listening to Game 5.
