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October 10, 2012

Playoff Prospectus

ALDS Game Three Recap: Athletics 2, Tigers 0

by Derek Carty

The story of Game Two of the American League Division Series between the A’s and Tigers was the inability of Oakland’s bullpen to hold down a lead in the late innings. Game Three saw Oakland hurler Brett Anderson toss a dominant game similar to the one turned in by Game Two starter Tommy Milone, only this time, Oakland’s usually-lockdown bullpen trio of Grant Balfour, Ryan Cook, and Sean Doolittle was flawless.

Oakland once again relied on its strengths; this time, however, those strengths came through for the team, resulting in the first win of the series for the A’s. They played strong defense, highlighted by Coco Crisp robbing Prince Fielder of a home run in the second inning. They used their speed to pressure Detroit’s defense on the basepaths, notably with Josh Donaldson’s hard takeout slide in the second. And most importantly, their bullpen was dominant: 3 IP, 5 K, 0 BB, 2 H, 0 R