Rangers vs. Tigers: Detroit Must Pull Home Sweep to Have Any Chance in ALCS

Texas' lineup is built for the Rangers Ballpark in Arlington. That lineup is just fierce. If you don't believe me, look at the facts.

The hero of Game 2 was Nelson Cruz. Despite being injury prone (he's never played more than 128 games in a season), Cruz has averaged a very respectable 28 homers over the last two seasons.

Still, he was batting seventh in the Texas order over the first two games. That's not his normal spot in the order and he'll likely be a few spots higher in Game 3, but it does show the incredible depth that the Rangers have.

Comerica Park in Detroit is a lot more pitcher friendly. And while the Detroit lineup is certainly good, it doesn't have anywhere near the depth that the Rangers' has.

So, it doesn't matter how it happened or how close the games were. The Rangers lead the ALCS 2-0 and are headed to Detroit for three games. Obviously, if the Tigers can't at least win two games in Detroit, the series is officially over.

But if they can't win all three games in Detroit, the series is over.

Texas' lineup is just too good. They are not going to lose a Game 6 and Game 7 in their home park. That team is completely built to win in that park.

Now, if Detroit can go win all three home games, then there chances aren't bad. I still wouldn't bet against Texas' chances to win the final two games at home, but Detroit could easily pull one win in Texas out.

The pressure is on the Tigers. I know it was rain aided, but they lost Justin Verlander's first start. When they did that and failed to win Game 2, they made the three games in Detroit all must-wins.

If they are going to win the ALCS and represent the American League in the World Series, the home fans will need to leave Comerica Park happy in Game 3, Game 4, and Game 5.