Opinion

After another sluggish start to a game, the Detroit Tigers came to life late against the Oakland Athletics with an 8-6 win to force a Game 5 in the American League Division Series on Thursday night. 

Facing elimination in Game 4 of the ALDS with the Oakland Athletics, the Detroit Tigers managed to pull out an 8-6 victory on Tuesday night, as they'll send the series back to Oakland for a decisive Game 5 on Thursday.

Game 5 of the National League Division Series between the Pittsburgh Pirates and the St. Louis Cardinals will feature Pirates' rookie-phenom Gerrit Cole facing the Cardinals' dominant ace, Adam Wainwright.

Former major league pitcher Dirk Hayhurst breaks down this starting pitching matchup in the latest edition of "Behind the Mic."

Jose Lobaton became the unlikely hero for the Tampa Bay Rays on Monday after hitting a walk-off home run in Game 3 of the ALDS against the Boston Red Sox. In doing so, he sent shock waves throughout the twitterverse. 

Clayton Kershaw might be the second-coming of Los Angeles Dodgers legend Sandy Koufax, but a lovable holy trinity in Chavez Ravine these days centers on one of Major League Baseball's more unsung heroes: Juan Uribe.

The trio of Uribe, Hanley Ramirez and Yasiel Puig has been a signature, heartwarming segment of the Dodgers clubhouse, season and success and it was on full display Monday night.

It's unclear what direction the Seattle Mariners want to go in. They have a wealth of young talent in the minor leagues, some of which has seen major league action. 

The front office also has some fairly deep pockets to play with this off season, so it will be interesting to see whether Jack Zduriencik wants to rely on a mix of veterans and youth, or bring in a superstar player or two to help right what has been a very disappointing and consistently mediocre ship.

Albert Pujols didn’t define the St. Louis Cardinals franchise.

Sure, he was one of many cornerstone players to ever don the birds on the bat. But this rich and historic organization won before him and with him, and now they are winning without him.

Even though all eyes in Pittsburgh will be focused on Busch Stadium Wednesday night as the Pittsburgh Pirates and St. Louis Cardinals end their epic 24-game battle (regular season included) in Game 5 of the National League Division Series, it's important to talk about what this year has meant for the once-maligned franchise. 

Tampa Bay rookie Wil Myers was a fantastic addition to the lineup, adding a capable bat to a middle that badly needed help on offense. But it's the way he got hot at just the right time late in the season that should secure American League Rookie of the Year honors for the young Rays slugger.

When the Detroit Tigers take the field at Comerica Park for Game 4 of the American League Division Series on Tuesday afternoon, they won't just facing Oakland and the specter of elimination, they'll be staring an unflattering history in the face.

Since 1972, Detroit has eventually succumbed to elimination in the postseason every single time they've faced it.