Tigers vs. Yankees: Why the Detroit Must Win Game 1

The winner of Game 1 in the World Series has gone on to win their series 61 percent of the time. In the League Championship Series, the winner of Game 1 has won 117 of 185 times, or 63 percent. 

That'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 Tigers' psyche to see a dominant performance by the leader of their pitching staff, Justin Verlander.  

On the season Verlander recorded a surprising 0-2 against the Yankees.  

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

If that is the case then the Tigers will be swept quickly out of these 2011 Playoffs. Verlander will get the start tonight in Game 1, then depending on how badly the team needs him, he may get the ball in Game 3 or Game 4.

If need be he will get the ball in Game 5 if he doesn't pitch in Game 4. 

Verlander’s stats in the postseason are 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 he still had a 3.63 ERA. 

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

The Tigers' leader on offense this year Miguel Cabrera has historically been a solid player in the postseason. He helped the 2003 Florida Marlins to the World Series in his lone postseason 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 postseason but his first as the main guy in the lineup. How confident will he be if he comes out tonight and goes 0-4 with three strike outs?  

This whole Tigers team needs to perform big tonight in the Bronx.

If Verlander gets knocked around by the high-powered Yankees offense and Cabrera cannot get the Tigers' offense rolling, it will be a short second season for the Detroit Tigers and their fans. 

Twitter:@tjmcaloon