Tigers vs. Yankees: Why Game 1 Is a Must Win for the Tigers

The winner of Game 1 in the World Series have gone on to win their series 61 percent of the time. In the League Championship Series the winner of Game 1 has won 117 times out of 185 series; a 63 percent winning percentage.  

So it’s why tonight’s Game 1 between the Detroit Tigers and the New York Yankees is a must win for these Tigers.  

The numbers show that it is possible for the Tigers to come back if they happen to lose against C.C. Sabathia and the Yankees tonight. But, it will do a lot more for the psyche for the Tigers players seeing a dominant performance by the leader of their pitching staff Justin Verlander.  

Verlander was a surprising 0-2 against the Yankees in the regular season.  

Could this be a sign of things to come for the Tigers ace in this playoff series?  

If that is the case, the Tigers will be swept quickly out of these 2011 Playoffs. Verlander will get the start tonight in Game 1, then pending on the need of Verlander he may get the ball in Game 3 or Game 4. And, if need be, he will get the ball in Game 5.

If you look at Verlander’s stats in the Post Season it’s marred with bad numbers from his four starts when the Tigers went to the World Series in 2006. It was his second year in the Major Leagues; but in that year he still had a 3.63 Earned Run Average. 

Tonight’s Game 1 just doesn’t fall all on Verlander’s pitching arm. He could throw a complete game giving up one run on three hits while striking out 15, but if his offense cannot get going then it won’t matter.  

Historically Miguel Cabrera, the Tigers leader on offense this year, has been a solid player in the post season. He helped the 2003 Florida Marlins to the World Series in his lone post season appearance.  

That year he had 18 hits in 17 games with four home runs and 14 runs batted in.  

This is his second shot in the post season but his first as the main guy in the lineup. What will his psyche be if he comes out tonight and goes 0-4 with three strike outs?  

This whole Tigers team needs to have a big performance tonight in the Bronx. If Verlander get’s knocked around by the high powered Yankees offense and Cabrera cannot get this Tigers offense rolling it will be a short second season for the Detroit Tigers and their fans. 

Twitter:@tjmcaloon