Check out the Detroit Tigers' and Boston Red Sox's schedule for Game 5 as we bring you start time and TV channel info for this pivotal matchup. One team will lead the series 3-2 with a chance to lock it up in Game 6 at Fenway Park on Saturday.
Game Time: 8 p.m. ET
TV Channel: FOX
The Tigers roared back after losing a disappointing Game 3 behind a great start from Justin Verlander. The Red Sox escaped Comerica Park with a 1-0 victory, taking back home field advantage. However, it was the Tigers who won big in Game 4, pounding Jake Peavy for seven earned runs. Peavy's postseason struggles continued as the Red Sox's midseason acquisition could not catch a break in the second inning.
It became much ado about nothing after the Tigers' lineup was as functional as it had ever been in the playoffs. Though Torii Hunter only went 1-5 at the leadoff spot, he drove in two huge runs, which helped open up the game for the Tigers and give Doug Fister room to work with. He was dropping looping curve balls in the strike zone, able to take a chance as the Tigers spotted him with a five-run second inning. Once he got in his groove, even when the Red Sox had runners on base, Fister worked with ease.
A good sign for the Tigers was Austin Jackson. He was on base all four times in this game, which meant Miguel Cabrera had the opportunity to drive him in on multiple occasions. If Jackson can consistently get on base, this means the Tigers top of the order will have a chance to hit with runners on base. Cabrera looks a little awkward in the second spot, but with Victor Martinez swinging a hot bat and Prince Fielder possessing the ability to hit a home run at any point, the Tigers have chances of taking early leads in the game.
Anibal Sanchez might not repeat the same shutout performance from Game 1, meaning the Tigers will once again have to hit. Jon Lester had them on lock, allowing just one earned run over 6.1 innings pitched. The best thing that could happen to the Red Sox is a pitchers' duel that leads to a battle of the bullpens. The Red Sox's relievers have locked things down late in the game, allowing only two earned runs in 24.1 pitched with 13.1 innings of scoreless baseball against the Tigers.
If the Red Sox lose today, well, then the series just might be over for them.
