Tigers sweep Yankees for AL Title

A view of Detroit Tigers game during Game 3 of the ALCS. (Credit: Chris Zadorozny / MJ)

By RICKY LINDSAY, Staff Writer

After a rainout on Wednesday that pushed Game 4 of the ALCS back one day, the Detroit Tigers took care of business Thursday afternoon, completing the four game sweep of the New York Yankees with an 8-1 victory to advance to the World Series, their eleventh in franchise history.

Both Max Scherzer and CC Sabathia were able to pitch Thursday, after being scheduled to go against each other the night before.

Scherzer was dominant, throwing five and two-thirds innings, while racking up ten strikeouts and allowing only one run. Scherzer became the first pitcher in postseason history to record ten strikeouts in fewer than six innings pitched against the Yankees.

Sabathia struggled, going three and two-thirds innings, allowing six runs (five earned). Sabathia also became the first pitcher in postseason history to give up 11 or more hits while recording 11 or fewer outs.

Thursday was all about the long-ball for Tigers’ hitters. Miguel Cabrera and Austin Jackson homered once, while Jhonny Peralta homered twice. The final out was recorded by none other than Prince Fielder, the offseason pickup that many people believed the Tigers would have no chance at signing.

Phil Coke, the converted closer from bullpen setup man, didn’t record the save, but pitched yet another great ninth inning.

Cabrera also made history Thursday, passing Pete Rose and Manny Ramirez with his 17 game hitting streak in the League Championship Series. Delmon Young was named the ALCS MVP.

The Tigers now wait to see their opponent in the World Series. The San Francisco Giants and St. Louis Cardinals resume their series tonight, with St. Louis holding a 2-1 series lead over the Giants. If the Cardinals were to advance, the 2012 World Series would be a rematch from 2006.