ALDS Game 5 Preview: Tigers at Yankees

New York Yankees (2-2) at Detroit Tigers (2-2)

Probable Pitchers:
Thursday October 6, 8:00p:
RHP Doug Fister (0-1, 11.57, 6 K, 2 BB)
Hitter to Fear: Mark Teixeira (3 for 9, 1 3B, 1 HR, 4 RBI)
Hitter to Fail: Alex Rodriguez (1 for 5, 1 K)

at

RHP Ivan Nova (1-0, 2.84, 5 K, 4 BB)
Hitter to Fear: Magglio Ordonez (1 for 1)
Hitter to Fail: Austin Jackson (0 for 1)

What to Watch For:
1. The Tigers might have a slight advantage with the history books. The away team is 8-5 in Game 5's since the postseason went to the 8-team playoff in 1995. The Yankees also have not won a Game 5 or Game 7 decisive game since 2003.

2. The Yankees are expected to have ace closer Mariano Rivera available for multiple innings tonight as well as ace starter CC Sabathia. The Yankees pitching tonight could consist of Nova, Sabathia, Robertson, and Rivera.

3. Justin Verlander will not see any action tonight as Tigers manager Jim Leyland has ruled him out. Leyland said he would likely go with Fister, Coke, Benoit, and Valverde. Verlander said he was still going to try and convince him before the game and may even go down to the bullpen for the game just incase.

On Deck:
Hopefully an ALCS matchup against the Rangers.