Detroit Tigers: Keys to Game 5 Against New York Yankees and Overall Prediction

Tuesday night was rough.  It looked like it could become one of those epic comebacks that we have grown accustomed to late into the seventh inning.

Then, the eighth inning came around.  The Yankees scored 6 runs in the eighth in what looked like an effortless run-scoring affair. 

While this may look bad to most Tigers fans, there is no need to worry just yet.  While there is no such thing as a "good" loss, sometimes it just isn't your night. A much needed day off is coming, which will help the Tigers refocus and fight for their postseason lives on Thursday.

So, now we are in for a great game between Ivan Nova (1-0, 2.84) and Doug Fister (0-1, 11.57).

Here are five keys the Tigers need to accomplish in order to ensure a ticket to Texas for the ALCS along with my prediction for Game 5.

5. Where Have All the Hitters Gone?

One thing became very evident Thursday night.  It is going to take a total team effort to beat the New York Yankees. 

Alex Avila and Wilson Betemit are both batting .000 going a combined 0/20.  Austin Jackson is 2/12 with a .083 average.  These things have to change in order for the Tigers to win Game 5.

A lead-off man has one job: Get on base.  Every pitcher who sees Jackson step into the batter's box realizes they should give him a strike down the middle on the first pitch and then a strike down the middle on the second pitch; it takes Jackson getting to an 0-2 count before he even swings.  In order to get hits, he needs to be more aggressive.

Avila and Betemit look lost.  While this is Avila's first postseason, he needs to remember the tools he used to help get his team there, and he will.  Avila is a great hitter, and Game 5 will be the night he gets back on track.  For some reason, Betemit is swinging at everything.  It is critical that he takes his time, calms his nerves and does what everyone knows he can do, which is get on base in crucial situations.

Look for these players to turn things around Thursday night.

4. Bullpen

The Tigers do have a really good bullpen.  Now, the bullpen needs to actually believe they are good. 

With the exception of Benoit and a shaky Valverde, the Tigers bullpen depth has been a subject of concern for a large portion of the season.  Now is the time for the Tigers to carry over their recent season success and start dominating opposing hitters like they did in the last month of the regular season. 

Some of these guys approach the mound looking extremely self-conscious.  Once a player gets a hit, they have a look like they have just lost the entire game.

While Fister has a chance to go deep into Game 5, the bullpen may be called upon to chew up some big innings, and they have to come through for the Tigers to be successful.

3. Cabrera and V-Mart

There is nothing more certain than the fact that if these two players don't start hitting like they did in the regular season, the Tigers will be heading back to Detroit to clean out their lockers after Thursday's game.

They are hitting a combined .232 in 26 at bats.  While the other players need to do a better job of getting on base, these two are the catalysts for this Tigers team.  Their confidence soars when these two are on fire.

The last time they saw Nova, they went a combined 1 for 6 with 2 walks and 2 strikeouts.  Nova is a good, young pitcher, but Cabrera and Martinez are amazing professional hitters who want nothing more than the send their team into the ALCS while sending everyone else a message, which is that the Tigers can win anywhere. 

Look for these two to lead the Tigers in a must-have offensive onslaught during Game 5. 

2. Doug Fister

Doug Fister is really good; there is no denying that fact. 

During his "relief" role in Game 1, he started off really well but fell flat in the bottom of the sixth inning, which ultimately led to a Tigers loss.  Now, let's not forget that Fister held the Yankees to 2 runs in five-and-a-half innings.  The game didn't become a blowout until a Robinson Cano grand slam.

Fans can be certain that Fister was a bit nervous in his first postseason start, especially since it was in Yankee Stadium.  That experience may well save the Tigers' postseason.  Now more than ever, Fister realizes what he must do in order to pitch the Tigers into the ALCS.

Look for Doug Fister to be his electric self on Thursday night as the Tigers pull off the upset and defeat the Yankees on their home field.

1. Rally Around Each Other

The Tigers have a had a total team effort throughout the entire 2011 regular season.  When one player falters, another one comes around with a huge play, hit, or pitch to help pick that fallen player up. 

The Tigers need more of that, and it has to happen now. 

They have to believe in each other and do whatever is necessary to win this decisive Game 5.  When they are put in positions to score runs or get outs, it has to be done.  No opportunity can be wasted in this game because the Yankees will capitalize on their opportunities if given the chance.

Every Tigers fan believes they can win.  The players know they can win.  Look for the Detroit Tigers to band together and win in epic fashion on Thursday night.

Prediction: 4-3  Tigers Advance to ALCS