MLB ALDS Preview and Live Stream: Detroit Tigers vs Oakland Athletics
The Oakland Athletics had a forgettable Game 4, leading three runs to none, then losing that lead in the fifth inning. That defeat was really devastating, especially considering the A's were up 2-1 in their American League Division Series and had the inside track to the Championship Series. And they had the opportunity to do it on the road, the perfect revenge after losing Game 1 at home. But a disputed fan interference call all but sealed the loss for them.
For the Detroit Tigers, though, the Game 4 win just pulled them back into Championship Series contention. And what a way to do it, too -- down two games to one, then down by three runs at home, then a searing fifth-inning blast that paved the way for a come-from-behind win. The win did not just bring them back from the dead; it gave the bankrupt city of Detroit something to cheer about, especially that the Pistons are still retooling and the Lions are not in the NFL picture yet.
The key to the Tigers' hopes is Victor Martinez, whose disputed seventh-inning home run allowed them to draw even. Justin Verlander will start Game 5 on the mound, but Max Scherzer will play a vital role as relief pitcher, especially after his outstanding performance in Game 4.
The Athletics, on the other hand, will rely on right fielder Josh Reddick whose disputed no-catch in Game 4 served as the turning point of the game. Reddick was also the hero in Game 3, leading off with a home run in the fourth inning. Dan Straily will most probably do the closing for the A's, thanks in no small measure to his no-hit performance in the first four innings.
Game 5 will be played in Oakland, and while they are 52-29 at home, they are 1-2 against the Tigers at O.co Coliseum. In fact, they have a better record (1-4) against the Tigers in Detroit.
Watch the game LIVE here (10/11/13 10:07 AM AEDT): LINK 1 LINK 2 LINK 3