Not Enough Gas

The Tigers are on the brink of elimination heading into Game 4

(AP Images/Michael Silverman)

By Jesse Doughtery

The Detroit Tigers were shut out twice in the entire 2012 regular season, and so far in the World Series, they have matched that number. 

Down 3-0 to the Giants, the Tigers have given us every indication that they will not capture the franchise’s first World Series crown since 1984. 

Aside from Verlander’s Game 1 blunder, the Tigers’ pitching has been far from the problem. In Game 2, Doug Fister yielded one run in six innings pitched en route to a 2-0 Detroit loss. In Game 3, Anibal Sanchez yielded two runs over seven innings en route to another 2-0 Detroit loss. Even with their backs against the wall, Tigers manager Jim Leyland is still rightfully confident in his starting staff. 

“I have total confidence in anybody we send out there,” said Leyland in an MLB.com interview. “When you send out Verlander and Fister and Sanchez and Scherzer, you know, you feel pretty good. You feel pretty good about any of those pitchers.”

But the Tigers offense has been lackluster, anything but clutch, and above all else, unproductive.

For an offense that finished top 10 in the league in both hits (8th) and batting average (6th), and just outside the top 10 in runs (11th), we all thought they could shoulder enough production to compliment a pitching staff that has mowed down opponents throughout the post season. 

But now we are all being told to think again.

The Tigers plated three runs in Game 1, but that mediocre offensive effort was overshadowed by an uncharacteristic start by ace Justin Verlander, where he gave up five earned runs in only four innings pitched.

Since Jhonny Peralta’s hollow home run in the ninth inning of Game 1, the Tigers have been shut out for 18 straight innings at the hands of Madison Bumgarner, Ryan Vogelsong, and a solid Giants bullpen. 

When asked by MLB.com about their team struggles this World Series, members of the Tigers’ lineup have different things to say. 

“It’s baseball,” said catcher Alex Avila. “A little bit of them making good pitches, and us not taking advantage of mistakes.”

“They’ve played outstanding defense,” added outfielder Andy Dirks. “They’ve got guys making players all over the field. That’s just the way it goes.”

And when asked about his personal struggles Prince Fielder said, “I’m just trying to get a good pitch to hit. I’m just unfortunately not getting it on the barrel.” 

Miguel Cabrera and Prince Fielder have combined to hit 3 for 19 with two walks. Cabrera hitting .267 and Fielder an astounding .188. Without those two bats the Tigers are going to have a hard time climbing back, but as the team’s manager Jim Leyland is refraining from pointing any fingers. 

“Maybe I need to be a little more creative,” Leyland said to ESPN.com. “Like I said, we talk about us. We don’t talk about individuals. So basically, as a team, as manager, coaches and team, we’ve obviously got to do a little better.”

The Tigers haven’t shown anything to lead us to believe that they can pull of an unprecedented comeback, but if there’s a chance, it has to all come together. 

Now.