One of the two American League Division Series (ALDS) games could end today if the Detroit Tigers secure a victory.
After Game 2 on Sunday, the Tigers now lead their ALDS with 2-0 following the 5-4 game.
If the A's win tonight's game, they'll have to win the next two to advance to the American League Championship Series.
"We need to bring it on Tuesday and Wednesday and Thursday," said Tigers catcher Gerald Laird. "Hopefully we don't get to those [final two] games, but we've got to bring it on Tuesday, because not even a week ago this team swept a pretty good team at home to win their division."
He added, "We know what they're capable of. We know that it's possible, because that's a good ball club and they're going to go down fighting. I like our chances, but we got to bring it."
Tonight's game will be the first games of the series in Oakland, and A's manager Bob Melvin is hoping to take advantage of it.
According to MLB.com, Melvin said, "Well, it is full and it's loud. And we saw that the last weekend of the season, I think it really, really helped us. They were involved. And even earlier in the season, when I've often said if there's 10 or 15 in here, it sounds like it's 30. And when this place is packed it's about as loud as it gets. So it has an effect on us. We appreciate it."
The starting pitcher for the Tigers will be right-hand pitcher Anibal Sanchez. He has a 2-2 record with a 2.43 ERA for September and has only allowed one run in the past 15 innings. Now in his seventh year in the majors, tonight will be his first postseason game.
For the Athletics, left-handed pitcher Brett Anderson will start following a couple injuries. He missed most of the season due to Tommy John surgery and strained his right oblique on Sept. 19 when he returned. Tonight will be his first game following a three-week stint in rehab. Anderson, in his last three starts, is1-2 with a 4.80 ERA.
The Tigers vs. A's in Oakland Coliseum starts at 9 p.m. EDT on TBS. If the A's win, Game 4 will be Wednesday at 9:30 p.m.