Game 163

Detroit vs Minnesota

Game 163, winner takes the division. Talk about a way to go out for a stadium. This will be the last “regular season” (quotes cause it’s 163 but all stats go toward the regular season) ever played in the Metrodome. Minnesota is looking to make up for last year’s failure in the play-in game against Chicago and claim it’s 5th division crown of the 2000s while the Tigers look to win their first ever AL Central Championship. The game is going to start at 4:15 CST and should be exciting.

The one game playoffs have been very exciting the past two times we have got them. Last year was involved the Twins coming to Chicago to play the White Sox who had to beat Cleveland on Sunday, then Detroit in a make up game on Monday just to force game 163. The White Sox fans supported their team in black out and cheered their team on as the only run of the game came on HR from Jim Thome. John Danks and Bobby Jenks combined 0 runs in the game.

The playoff game before involved the Colorado Rockies and the San Diego Padres. The Rockies finished the season hot as can be just to catch up to the Padres. The game went into extra innings with the Padres taking the lead and bringing in the all-time saves leader Trevor Hoffman to close out the game, season, and division. Trevor Hoffman could not come through though as a sac fly scored the game winning run on a controversial call at the plate.

If tonight’s game can give us half the drama either of these two games did it should be great.

Here are my keys to the game

The M&M’s

Mauer and Morneau; if Minnesota can set the table for these guys, runs will surely follow. Minnesota likes playing in their home playing fast baseball with these two RBI machines driving them in. If they get these two going they can easily win the game.

Curtis Granderson: He’s the leadoff hitter who can use his speed on the fast track of the dome to change the game. I see him getting multiple multi-base hits and stealing a base or two.

Who I think will win: Minnesota is at home. I think that is the biggest advantage in the game. They are playing in familiar territory with the crowd behind them. They know how to play in the stadium and are built to succeed here. I think Minnesota takes care of business and brings home #5 for the 2000s. Please no goggles while celebrating, you look stupid.

Final
Minnesota 5
Detroit 3