The New York Yankees travel to Detroit to face the Tigers in Game 3 of the A.L. Championship Series. Things are looking pretty dim for the Yanks as numerous matchups are not in their favor. Let's begin with the biggest disadvantage the Yankees will have going into tonight.
Justin Verlander
Yeah, they do not have Derek Jeter, but the Yankees' biggest problem is facing Verlander and he has been upstoppable in his two playoff starts. Dating back to the regular season, Verlander only surrendered three runs in his last six starts.
He has only allowed one earned run in 16 playoff innings pitched.
No Offense
As the Yankees enter Game 3, manager Joe Girardi has been rumored to taking drastic measures as word of sitting Curtis Granderson and placing Brett Gradner into the lineup has spread. Granderson's 43 regular season homers will be dropped as the Yankees will look to actually try and manufacture runs.
Home Field Advantage
That's it, the Tigers are back at home and they are in their jungle. They do not have to deal with the Yankees' crowd, not like that has bothered them in the last two games. The Tigers are 2-0 this postseason when playing in Comerica Park. With a win tonight this series is practically over, unless they Yankees pull a Boston Red Sox, but that is unlikely. Look for the Tiger fans to be on their feet and yelling at the top of their lungs all night long.
Prediction: With the way Verlander has been pitching and the Yankees swinging a no-hitter would be possible, but I'll stick to Verlander giving up one run over 7.2 with 12 strike outs. Tigers will win 4-1.
