The Detroit Tigers will kick off their quest to become World Series champions on Friday as they visit the ever-dangerous Oakland Athletics in Game 1 of the American League Division Series Playoffs at O.co Coliseum.
Almost a year after a forgetful stint in the 2012 World Series, the Tigers are back in the postseason with a more loaded lineup on the mound and at the plate.
Miguel Cabrera, arguably the best hitter in the game today, will be spearheading the Tigers star-studded batting unit against one of the most efficient offensive teams in baseball.
Of course, the 2012 Triple Crown winner and MVP is just one of many reasons why the Tigers enter the playoffs as the favorite to win it all this October. First baseman Prince Fielder is up to inflict damage anytime while the dynamic pitching tandem of Max Scherzer and former MVP Justin Verlander will aim to make things miserable for the A's batting corps.
But there's a reason the A's won the AL West Championship. With third baseman Josh Donaldson and first baseman Brandon Moss around, Oakland is a team to be reckoned with in the postseason.
The 27-year-old Donaldson is having a breakout year, batting .301 with 24 home runs and 93 RBIs in 158 games for the A's. Donaldson's skill in driving runs is simply remarkable, but the up-and-coming third baseman explained his recent form is a product of hard work and hours spent to meticulously study the tapes of Cabrera.
"I've watched his videos a lot as far as a hitter," Donaldson told ESPN before Friday's series opener. "He's a highly talented hitter, and I really appreciate the way he goes about hitting and I try to learn from him at what he's doing.
"I feel he's one of the best hitters in the game that goes to right field, and what's helped me be able to take it to the next level this year is the ability to be able to hit it to right field. Watching him over the course of time has definitely helped me," he added.
Pitching Matchup: Tigers' Max Scherzer vs. A's Bartolo Colon
Scherzer has been nothing short of spectacular this season, going 21-3 with a 2.90 ERA and 240 strikeouts to make him the leading candidate for the AL CY Young award. Against the Athletics, the Tigers' ace hurler is allowing Oakland to bat .292 with 3 homers, 11 RBIs and 28 strikeouts.
Meanwhile, the resurging Colon boasted an 18-6 record with a 2.65 ERA and 117 strikeouts this year. However, Colon has not been that good against the Tigers' batters, allowing 7 homers, 26 RBIs with 27 strikeouts against them.
Live Stream & Schedule
TV Schedule
You can catch Game 1 of ALDS between the Detroit Tigers and Oakland Athletics on Friday at 9:37 p.m EST on TBS.
Live Stream (video)
Live stream coverage can be seen on MLB.tv.
Live Stream (audio)
Live stream coverage can be heard MLB.com Gameday Audio.
Live Score
Live scores and boxscore information could be followed by clicking here.