MLB Playoff Bracket 2012: Tigers Ready to Respond to Giants in World Series

The San Francisco Giants began their World Series against the Detroit Tigers with significant momentum. They were fresh off rebounding from a 3-1 NLCS deficit while the Tigers spent the prior week accumulating rust.

Jim Leyland said that wouldn't matter on Thursday night. "I'm a guy that doesn't believe in momentum in baseball. I think momentum is your next day's pitcher," offered Leyland via David Schoenfield of ESPN.com. 

Just more proof that one doesn't have to believe in something for it to exist.

There was a reason for optimism with Doug Fister taking the mound for Game 2 on Thursday night. 

Fister had been pitching well despite battling injuries through much of 2012. Since starting the Tigers' first game following the All-Star break, he had an ERA of 2.52 and a record of 8-4.

But Madison Bumgarner was a little better, striking out eight batters in seven innings. The Giants took a 2-0 lead with a 2-0 win, leaving the Tigers with a bit of work to do at Comerica Park.

The series is far from over and at least some pundits are sticking with the Tigers.

"

Taking deserved heat from SF fans..I admire Giants, but no way any right-thinking L.A. person could have picked them..sticking with Tigers

— Bill Plaschke (@BillPlaschke) October 26, 2012"

American League teams have a slight advantage at home over the senior circuit. Their regular lineup already includes a designated hitter.

Delmon Young will be able to settle into his normal routine. The team will have Andy Dirks and Quintin Berry to play in left field and pinch-hit as needed.

Mixed in with some home-cooking and familiar confines, the Tigers will at least make the Giants earn the win back in San Francisco.

World Series Schedule

Courtesy of MLB.com 

Game	Matchup	Date	Time (ET)	TV	Live Stream
Game 1	Detroit Tigers 3, San Francisco Giants 8
Game 2	Detroit Tigers 0, San Francisco Giants 2
Game 3	San Francisco Giants at Detroit Tigers	Sat, Oct. 27	8:00 p.m.	FOX	MLB TV
Game 4	San Francisco Giants at Detroit Tigers	Sun, Oct. 28	8:00 p.m.	FOX	MLB TV
Game 5*	San Francisco Giants at Detroit Tigers	Mon, Oct. 29	8:00 p.m.	FOX	MLB TV
Game 6*	Detroit Tigers at San Francisco Giants	Wed, Oct. 31	8:00 p.m.	FOX	MLB TV
Game 7*	Detroit Tigers at San Francisco Giants	Thu, Nov. 1	8:00 p.m.	FOX	MLB TV

* If necessary