ALCS Schedule 2012: Complete Start Time & TV Info for Tigers vs. Yankees

One could have assumed that the Detroit Tigers would win the 2012 American League Championship Series against the New York Yankees because their starting rotation was so deep, but few would have predicted that it could all be over in just four games. 

Following a 2-1 victory in Game 3 where Justin Verlander was very good but hardly dominant, the Tigers find themselves one win away from playing in the World Series for the first time since 2006, which they can get on Wednesday night in Comerica Park. 

As you recall, the Tigers swept Oakland in that ALCS thanks to a walk-off home run from Magglio Ordonez in the bottom of the ninth. 

The Yankees, on the other hand, are just trying to find a pulse on offense. Their pitching hasn't been bad at all. They have only allowed 11 runs in three games, including five in the last two. There is just no hope with the offense right now. 

Everyone wants to bash on Alex Rodriguez because he is such an easy target, but if he was the only problem, the Yankees would be fine. Robinson Cano looks lost. Mark Teixeira and Curtis Granderson don't have pulses. Derek Jeter is out for the postseason. 

Things need to change in a hurry for the Yankees to extend this series. They have the right guy on the mound in Game 4, when CC Sabathia goes up against Max Scherzer. 

Here is a look at the remaining schedule, start time and television information, plus a few nuggets to get you ready for the action. 

GAME	DATE, TIME, NETWORK	PITCHING PROBABLES
Game 4: New York at Detroit	Wed. Oct 17 at 8:07 p.m. TBS	Sabathia vs. Scherzer
*Game 5: New York at Detroit	Thu. Oct. 18 at 4:00 p.m. TBS	TBD vs. TBD
*Game 6: Detroit at New York	Sat. Oct. 20 at 8:07 p.m.  TBS	TBD vs. TBD
*Game 7: Detroit at New York	Sun. Oct. 21 at 8:07 p.m. TBS	TBD vs. TBD

Start times listed in ET. 

*If Necessary

Keys to Game 4

Yankees Need Dominant Sabathia

Scherzer Must Keep The Ball In The Zone

Hitters Must Look For One Mistake

After the Tigers won Game 1, I was of the opinion they would sweep the series. The Yankees haven't hit since the end of the regular season. Baltimore's bullpen is great, but the starting rotation left a lot to be desired and doesn't even compare to what the Tigers run out there, yet they were able to hold the Yankees at bay. 

Scherzer is the great wild card in this game. His shoulder appeared to be fine in shutting down Oakland in the Division Series. As long as he is hitting his spots, he can easily strike out 10 in six innings of work. 

But there are times when Scherzer loses his feel and starts walking hitters. If the Yankees are able to work counts in their favor early, they can get into the weak Tigers bullpen early and hopefully put up some runs. 

Of course, if Sabathia dominates the Tigers like he did the Orioles, the Yankees won't have to score much to win. In an elimination game, it is all hands on deck for Joe Girardi's crew, but they really need to see Sabathia go at least seven innings to save the bullpen after Phil Hughes left Game 3 early with a back injury. 

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