MLB Playoffs 2011: Doug Fister Will Be Unable To Save Tigers' Season vs. Rangers

The Detroit Tigers are in desperate need of a victory against the Texas Rangers in Game 3 of their American League Championship Series battle. If they are going to defend home field, they'll need to provide starting pitcher Doug Fister with a healthy amount of run support.

Fister struck out just one Ranger in nearly 15 innings against them in 2011. When that many balls are being put in play it's a recipe for disaster, even for an above average Detroit defense. None of that bothers the midseason acquisition though, who said all the right things to the media (via Yahoo! Sports).

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“Obviously, there’s a huge fan base in Detroit, which is terrific to play in front of,” said Fister, 1-1 with a 3.68 ERA in two starts versus Texas this season. “It’s been very prevalent. It’s something that gives you chills.” (...)

“It can’t change the approach for the pitcher at all,” Fister said. “It doesn’t change the mindset, it doesn’t change how you attack hitters.”

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Fister is coming off a breakout campaign after two mediocre seasons to start his career. He posted a 2.83 ERA and 3.02 FIP and those numbers were even better at home, where tonight's game takes place.

It's just hard to imagine him navigating the Texas lineup, as hot as it is right now, without giving up some runs. He allowed seven runs (six earned) in two starts vs. the Rangers this season.

That puts more pressure on the Detroit offense to find a way to score early and often against Colby Lewis. It's something they were able to accomplish during his pair of starts against them earlier in the year (0-1, 15.95 ERA).

All told, it looks like tonight's Game 3 will be a high-scoring affair. Since momentum is in favor of Texas, Fister's battle becomes even more uphill. And considering he isn't what you would consider a shutdown pitcher (only 6.1 strikeouts per nine), he'll need to pitch out of some jams to get Detroit back in the series.

Prediction: Rangers 6 Tigers 5

It's a toss-up game, which means one big inning will probably decide the game. Since the Rangers have a slight offensive advantage and things have fallen their way so far, I expect them to prevail in a nail biter.