ALCS GM 1 - GDT: 10/8/11 - DET (0-0) AT TEX (0-0) - 8:05 p.m.

Texas heat: Aces to duel in Game 1 of ALCS
Verlander, Wilson look to start march to Fall Classic

By Tom Singer / MLB.com | 10/7/2011 3:02 AM ET

The Texas Rangers routed a personal demon in last year's American League Championship Series, avenging historic postseason mistreatment by the Yankees by getting past them into the World Series.

Now the Rangers get to confront another: The road to a rare second consecutive Fall Classic appearance goes through the Detroit Tigers, and neither the city nor the team has been kind to Texas.

The Rangers continue their quest for the 51-year-old franchise's first world championship and the venerable Tigers seek a shot at their first since 1984, when the ALCS kicks off Saturday at Rangers Ballpark.

Perhaps this isn't the matchup fans thought they would get, but matchmaker Jose Valverde had a different idea and icily closed out the Tigers' AL Division Series-clinching 3-2 victory over the New York Yankees on Thursday night in the Bronx.

"I think we have a good club, we'll represent ourselves well," Tigers president, CEO and general manager Dave Dombrowski said. "Texas has got a good club, but it's time to celebrate tonight and go get them on Saturday."

The Rangers qualified with a four-game knockout of Tampa Bay in the ALDS, keeping alive their hopes of becoming the first AL team without the interlocking NY on its uniforms to make successive World Series appearances since the 1992-93 Toronto Blue Jays.

Valverde's game-ending punch-out of Alex Rodriguez touched off a spirited celebration in the middle of the Yankee Stadium infield -- and in Middle America, with Detroit fans shaking a wavelength that rippled all the way to New York.

Just like Detroit spent the summer rooting for the Tigers, the Tigers spent the summer rooting for Detroit.

"We're pulling for one another," Tigers manager Jim Leyland noted in the middle of the ALDS. "Good atmosphere for the city. Makes people forget about their troubles with good times with sports. If you can make somebody happy -- that's what the song says -- make somebody happy. We're trying to make somebody happy."

Texas sat around for a couple of days to learn whom it would play in the ALCS and, frankly, neither option was terribly appealing to Ron Washington's club. The Rangers dropped six of nine regular-season games with Detroit; the only team giving them a harder time were the Yankees -- 7-2 against the AL West champs.

But the Rangers aren't awfully concerned.

"It really doesn't matter who we play," Rangers veteran Michael Young said the day his club clinched. "We're always up for anybody, and I think if you ask anyone in here, they'll tell you that no matter our opponent, we're always going to have guys come through for us and step up."

Getting the best-of-seven show on the road will be the teams' respective aces, left-hander C.J. Wilson for Texas and Justin Verlander, the Tigers' Triple Crown right-hander.

Leyland had drawn some funny looks when declaring prior to Game 5 of the ALDS that Verlander would not be asked to help out of the bullpen -- unlike New York counterpart CC Sabathia, who indeed did work in relief in that game.

But having Leyland stick to his judgment now unleashes Verlander on the Rangers on the typical four days of rest. He last pitched on Monday, in Game 3 of the ALDS.

Wilson will be going on seven days' rest since he last pitched, although "rest" may not properly describe the left-hander's state. "Restless" is probably more fitting, considering Wilson is anxious to rebound from being spanked for eight runs in five innings by Tampa Bay in Game 1 of the ALDS. The eight runs -- six earned -- were the most he allowed since Aug. 5, 2005, when the Orioles got to the then-rookie for eight in his fifth Major League start.

Washington was delaying a decision on how his rotation would set up behind Wilson to see who Texas was playing.

Texas steps up as the next team to try to prove that, sometimes, good hitting can stop good pitching. It didn't work for the Yankees, who ranked second in AL scoring with 867 runs (only Boston had more, at 875) but managed to total only nine in the three losses to the Tigers.

The Rangers scored only 12 fewer runs than the Yankees during the regular season, and will now try to solve Detroit's clutch, ice-blooded arms.

Good luck, Yankees manager Joe Girardi appeared to be saying.

"These guys have pitched all year long," Girardi said, referring to the Detroit staff. "You look at what they've done. They made some huge pitches when they had to. Whether it was [Game 5 starter Doug] Fister or any of their guys, they made big pitches when they had to."

The only injury watch prior to the start of the series involved Delmon Young, Detroit's newest import-hero. A few innings after jacking his third ALDS home run against the Yankees, Young had to depart Game 5 with a tweak of his left oblique muscle.

Leyland will monitor trainers' reports on the outfielder. His biggest immediate concern was that Young might have aggravated the injury when joining the Tigers' raucous clinching celebration in Yankee Stadium's visiting clubhouse.

"The only thing I'm worried about Delmon right now," Leyland said, "is that he strains it more because he looks very happy jumping up and down in that clubhouse."

The Tigers are happy to be heading to Arlington. The Rangers will be happy to welcome them, and to welcome a broadcast newcomer whose presence will highlight just how wacky, unpredictable and confounding the postseason can be.

Girardi, and his Yankees, are not in the ALCS. But Terry Francona, lately of the Boston Red Sox, is. Francona will be an analyst for FOX's game broadcasts.

Tigers: RHP Justin Verlander (0-0, 0.00 ERA)

Manager Jim Leyland refused to pitch Verlander in relief in the AL Division Series so that he could be ready for this game. The Rangers handed him one of his five losses during the season, but it was a complete-game six-hitter.


Rangers: LHP C.J. Wilson (0-0, 0.00 ERA)

Wilson started Game 1 of the ALDS and gave up an uncharacteristic three home runs, the most since he gave up four against the Angels on Aug. 27. In five playoff starts, Wilson is 1-3 with a 4.91 ERA.


Game Information



INJURY UPDATE:

• OF Brennan Boesch (right thumb surgery, 15-day disabled list on September 9).
• RHP Joel Zumaya (right elbow olecranon fracture surgery, 60-day disabled list on March 30).
• LHP Brad Thomas (left elbow inflammation, 60-day DL on May 11)



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• Sunday, October 9: ALCS PLAYOFFS
Tigers (RHP Max Scherzer (0-0, -.-- ERA)) AT
Rangers (LHP Derek Holland (0-0, -.-- ERA)),
7:45 p.m. ET (FOX / WXYT 97.1 FM & 1270 AM)

• Monday, October 10: ALCS PLAYOFFS
OFFDAY

• Tuesday, October 11: ALCS PLAYOFFS
Tigers (RHP Doug Fister (0-0, -.-- ERA)) VS
Rangers (RHP Colby Lewis (0-0, -.-- ERA)),
8:05 p.m. ET (FOX / WXYT 97.1 FM & 1270 AM)

• Wednesday, October 12: ALCS PLAYOFFS
Tigers (RHP Rick Porcello (0-0, -.-- ERA)) VS
Rangers (LHP Matt Harrison (0-0, -.-- ERA)),
4:19 p.m. ET (FOX / WXYT 97.1 FM & 1270 AM)

• Thursday, October 13: ALCS PLAYOFFS*
Tigers (RHP Justin Verlander (0-0, -.-- ERA)) VS
Rangers (?HP To Be Announced (0-0, -.-- ERA)),
4:19 p.m. ET (FOX / WXYT 97.1 FM & 1270 AM)

• Friday, October 14: ALCS PLAYOFFS
OFFDAY

• Saturday, October 15: ALCS PLAYOFFS*
Tigers (RHP Max Scherzer (0-0, -.-- ERA)) AT
Rangers (?HP To Be Announced (0-0, -.-- ERA)),
8:05 p.m. ET (FOX / WXYT 97.1 FM & 1270 AM)

• Sunday, October 16: ALCS PLAYOFFS*
Tigers (RHP Doug Fister (0-0, -.-- ERA)) AT
Rangers (?HP To Be Announced (0-0, -.-- ERA)),
8:05 p.m. ET (FOX / WXYT 97.1 FM & 1270 AM)

STARTING LINEUPS:

TIGERS
1. Austin Jackson, cf
2. Ryan Raburn, 2b
3. Miguel Cabrera, 1b
4. Victor Martinez, dh
5. Magglio Ordonez, rf
6. Alex Avila, c
7. Jhonny Peralta, ss
8. Ramon Santiago, 2b
9. Brandon Inge, 3b

P: Justin Verlander

DET - Top 1st
B:0 S:3 O:1
Austin Jackson called out on .

B:3 S:1 O:1
Ryan Raburn singles on a ground ball to left fielder David Murphy.

B:2 S:1 O:1
Miguel Cabrera singles on a line drive to left fielder David Murphy. Ryan Raburn to 2nd.

B:4 S:2 O:1
Victor Martinez walks. Ryan Raburn to 3rd. Miguel Cabrera to 2nd.

B:0 S:1 O:3
Magglio Ordonez grounds into double play, third baseman Adrian Beltre to first baseman Mitch Moreland. Miguel Cabrera out at 3rd.

TEX - Bot 1st
B:4 S:2 O:0
Ian Kinsler walks.

With Elvis Andrus batting, Ian Kinsler caught stealing 2nd base, catcher Alex Avila to shortstop Jhonny Peralta.

B:1 S:1 O:1
Elvis Andrus reaches on fielding error by center fielder Austin Jackson. Elvis Andrus to 2nd.

B:1 S:3 O:2
Josh Hamilton out swinging.

B:4 S:1 O:2
Michael Young walks.

B:2 S:3 O:3
Adrian Beltre out swinging.

0 - 0 AFTER 1 INNING

DET - Top 2nd
B:0 S:0 O:1
Alex Avila flies out to left fielder David Murphy.

B:2 S:2 O:1
Jhonny Peralta singles on a line drive to left fielder David Murphy.

B:2 S:2 O:1
Ramon Santiago singles on a line drive to right fielder Nelson Cruz. Jhonny Peralta to 2nd.

B:1 S:3 O:2
Brandon Inge out swinging.

B:0 S:1 O:3
Austin Jackson grounds out softly, catcher Mike Napoli to first baseman Mitch Moreland.

TEX - Bot 2nd
B:2 S:2 O:0
Mike Napoli singles on a ground ball to right fielder Magglio Ordonez.

B:2 S:2 O:1
Nelson Cruz flies out to left fielder Ryan Raburn.

B:2 S:2 O:1
David Murphy triples (1) on a fly ball to right fielder Magglio Ordonez. Mike Napoli scores.
TEX 1 - 0

B:2 S:0 O:2
Mitch Moreland grounds out, pitcher Justin Verlander to first baseman Miguel Cabrera.

B:1 S:0 O:2
Ian Kinsler singles on a ground ball to right fielder Magglio Ordonez. David Murphy scores.
TEX 2 - 0

B:0 S:2 O:3
Elvis Andrus pops out to second baseman Ramon Santiago in foul territory.

TEX 2 - 0 AFTER 2 INNINGS

DET - Top 3rd
B:4 S:2 O:0
Ryan Raburn walks.

B:0 S:3 O:1
Miguel Cabrera called out on .

B:0 S:2 O:3
Victor Martinez grounds into double play, third baseman Adrian Beltre to second baseman Ian Kinsler to first baseman Mitch Moreland. Ryan Raburn out at 2nd.

TEX - Bot 3rd
B:0 S:3 O:1
Josh Hamilton out swinging.

B:0 S:3 O:2
Michael Young called out on .

B:1 S:0 O:2
Adrian Beltre singles on a ground ball to left fielder Ryan Raburn.

B:3 S:2 O:3
Mike Napoli grounds out, second baseman Ramon Santiago to first baseman Miguel Cabrera.

TEX 2 - 0 AFTER 3 INNINGS

DET - Top 4th
B:3 S:3 O:1
Magglio Ordonez called out on .

B:2 S:3 O:2
Alex Avila out swinging.

B:2 S:3 O:3
Jhonny Peralta out swinging.

TEX - Bot 4th
B:2 S:0 O:0
Nelson Cruz homers (1) on a fly ball to left field.
TEX 3 - 0

B:3 S:2 O:1
David Murphy grounds out, second baseman Ramon Santiago to first baseman Miguel Cabrera.

B:0 S:0 O:2
Mitch Moreland flies out to right fielder Magglio Ordonez.

B:3 S:3 O:3
Ian Kinsler called out on .

TEX 3 - 0 AFTER 4 INNINGS

PLAY BALL

DET - Top 5th
B:1 S:2 O:0
Ramon Santiago doubles (1) on a line drive to left fielder David Murphy.

B:1 S:0 O:1
Brandon Inge grounds out, third baseman Adrian Beltre to first baseman Mitch Moreland.

B:2 S:2 O:1
Austin Jackson doubles (1) on a line drive to right fielder Nelson Cruz. Ramon Santiago scores.
TEX 3 - 1

B:4 S:0 O:1
Ryan Raburn walks.

Coaching visit to mound.

B:4 S:1 O:1
Miguel Cabrera walks. Austin Jackson to 3rd. Ryan Raburn to 2nd.

With Victor Martinez batting, wild pitch by C. J. Wilson, Austin Jackson scores. Ryan Raburn to 3rd. Miguel Cabrera to 2nd.
TEX 3 - 2

B:1 S:2 O:2
Victor Martinez grounds out, pitcher C. J. Wilson to first baseman Mitch Moreland.

B:4 S:0 O:2
C. J. Wilson intentionally walks Magglio Ordonez.

RAIN DELAY

Pitcher Change: Michael Gonzalez replaces C. J. Wilson.

Offensive Substitution: Pinch runner Don Kelly replaces Magglio Ordonez.

B:1 S:0 O:3
Alex Avila grounds out, second baseman Ian Kinsler to first baseman Mitch Moreland.

TEX 3 - 2 AFTER 4.5 INNINGS

TEX - Bot 5th
Don Kelly remains in the game as the right fielder.

Pitcher Change: Rick Porcello replaces Justin Verlander.

B:0 S:2 O:1
Elvis Andrus grounds out, pitcher Rick Porcello to first baseman Miguel Cabrera.

B:0 S:0 O:2
Josh Hamilton grounds out, third baseman Brandon Inge to first baseman Miguel Cabrera.

B:2 S:2 O:3
Michael Young grounds out, shortstop Jhonny Peralta to first baseman Miguel Cabrera.

TEX 3 - 2 AFTER 5 INNINGS

DET - Top 6th
Pitcher Change: Alexi Ogando replaces Michael Gonzalez.

B:1 S:2 O:1
Jhonny Peralta grounds out, third baseman Adrian Beltre to first baseman Mitch Moreland.

B:1 S:1 O:2
Ramon Santiago grounds out, second baseman Ian Kinsler to first baseman Mitch Moreland.

B:4 S:2 O:2
Brandon Inge walks.

B:3 S:3 O:3
Austin Jackson out swinging.

TEX - Bot 6th
B:1 S:2 O:1
Adrian Beltre grounds out, third baseman Brandon Inge to first baseman Miguel Cabrera.

B:3 S:3 O:2
Mike Napoli out swinging.

B:0 S:0 O:3
Nelson Cruz flies out to right fielder Don Kelly.

TEX 3 - 2 AFTER 6 INNINGS

DET - Top 7th
B:0 S:3 O:1
Ryan Raburn out swinging.

B:0 S:1 O:2
Miguel Cabrera grounds out, second baseman Ian Kinsler to first baseman Mitch Moreland.

B:1 S:3 O:3
Victor Martinez out swinging.

TEX - Bot 7th
Pitcher Change: Phil Coke replaces Rick Porcello.

B:1 S:1 O:1
David Murphy flies out to center fielder Austin Jackson.

B:2 S:0 O:1
Mitch Moreland singles on a line drive to center fielder Austin Jackson.

Coaching visit to mound.

Pitcher Change: Ryan Perry replaces Phil Coke.

B:3 S:1 O:2
Ian Kinsler flies out to left fielder Ryan Raburn.

B:1 S:0 O:3
Elvis Andrus grounds out, third baseman Brandon Inge to first baseman Miguel Cabrera.

TEX 3 - 2 AFTER 7 INNINGS

DET - Top 8th
Pitcher Change: Darren Oliver replaces Alexi Ogando.

B:0 S:1 O:1
Don Kelly lines out to center fielder Josh Hamilton.

B:2 S:3 O:2
Alex Avila called out on .

Coaching visit to mound.

Pitcher Change: Mike Adams replaces Darren Oliver.

B:1 S:3 O:3
Jhonny Peralta out swinging, catcher Mike Napoli to first baseman Mitch Moreland.

TEX - Bot 8th
B:0 S:1 O:1
Josh Hamilton flies out to left fielder Ryan Raburn.

B:0 S:1 O:2
Michael Young grounds out, third baseman Brandon Inge to first baseman Miguel Cabrera.

B:0 S:3 O:3
Adrian Beltre out swinging.

TEX 3 - 2 AFTER 8 INNINGS

DET - Top 9th
Defensive switch from center field to left field for Josh Hamilton.

Defensive Substitution: Craig Gentry replaces left fielder David Murphy, batting 8th, playing center field.

Pitcher Change: Neftali Feliz replaces Mike Adams.

B:1 S:1 O:0
Ramon Santiago singles on a bunt ground ball to second baseman Ian Kinsler.

Offensive Substitution: Pinch hitter Wilson Betemit replaces Brandon Inge.

B:0 S:3 O:1
Wilson Betemit out swinging.

Offensive Substitution: Pinch runner Danny Worth replaces Ramon Santiago.

B:1 S:3 O:2
Austin Jackson out swinging.

B:2 S:3 O:3
Ryan Raburn out swinging.