Fische » For the first time since July 30

Needing only one win to head back to the World Series Eddie Robinson Jersey , the Dodgers will send Hyun-Jin Ryu to the mound in game 6." David Freese will be the leadoff hitter. For the 35-year-old, this will be the fourth time in his career he’s led off a game, and probably none more important than tonight’s contest. With a win, the Dodgers will head back to the World Series for the second consecutive year. This move comes after Milwaukee’s decision to pull Wade Miley after one batter on Wednesday. Though this isn’t likely to happen again, Dave Roberts wants to at least ensure Freese gets one at-bat against a lefty today. “It’s more of still loving David’s at-bat quality and like him against Miley and just being able to see him a couple of times, depending on how the game goes,” Roberts said. “And I think that we’ve got some balance in there. David’s fine with hitting lead-off and understanding nothing with his approach changes.”A name not in the lineup is Kik ernandez, who has cemented himself into an everyday starting role against left-handers. It’s an interesting move, as Cody Bellinger (.226 AVG) and Chris Taylor (.232) have had more struggles at the plate this year against left-handers than Hernandez (.260).However, out of the three, there’s no question Kik at has been the coldest. He doesn’t have a hit in his last 12 plate appearances, and he’s 2-for-22 (.091) this postseason. “He’s prepared, not getting the results,” Roberts said. “But I still expect him to make an impact on today’s game. And I just like the way that Yasiel’s at-bats have been. I like him out there. So it’s just kind of the optionality of having Kik茅 off the bench and Yasi in this particular matchup.”Bellinger got off to a slow start, but has found success over the last two games, going 3-for-7, as well as delivering the game-winning hit in game 4. Taylor has been one of LA’s best hitters in October http://www.indiansfanproshop.com/authentic-b.j.-upton-jersey , hitting .333 with an OPS of .988.Yet again, Austin Barnes gets the start instead of Yasmani Grandal. “I think that he’s really catching well,” Roberts said. “He’s having really good at-bats. Still have Yasmani’s bat off the bench is a plus with their bullpen. But I think right now Austin makes sense.”Barnes has hits in back-to-back games, including bringing in the game-tying run in game 5. “It says a lot about his perseverance and not letting this down year offensively get to him at this point in the season. And he’s prepared so well all year long consistently. And the thing for me is that his defense has never wavered or been compromised. That right there speaks to his character and makeup. And at the most critical time in the box he’s the most confident he’s been in quite some time.”Hitting cleanup yet again will be Manny Machado. It will be interesting to see the reception he receives tonight. In LA, Machado was involved in multiple altercations, some that the Brewers didn’t take too lightly. Machado was hit by a pitch last game, but with a runner on-base, it’s unclear if they were trying to “retaliate” or if a pitch actually got away. It will definitely be an interesting storyline to follow nonetheless. Vintage starting pitching and the power of youth made for a fun Opening Day."WhiteFanposts Fanshots Sections Detroit Tigers AnalysisDetroit Tigers Prospect NotebookDetroit Tigers Game ThreadsDetroit Tigers NewsDetroit Tigers PodcastsDetroit Tigers LinksDetroit Tigers News: First place is a sweet place to startVintage starting pitching and the power of youth made for a fun Opening Day.EDTShareTweetShareShareDetroit Tigers News: First place is a sweet place to startDan Hamilton-USA TODAY SportsSo, that went well, eh? Jordan Zimmermann came out on Opening Day looking like Greg Maddux, and was potentially on his way to a complete game shutout before manager Ron Gardenhire intervened, pulling the veteran starter after seven innings with just 70 pitches thrown. Zimmermann displayed superb command, had a good feel for his slider, which is his key, and also mixed in a couple of nasty changeups, which surprised everyone.No one was more surprised than a fairly hapless looking Toronto Blue Jays lineup. Zimmermann took a perfect game into the seventh before Teoscar Hernandez singled on a sharp ground ball up the middle that Josh Harrison couldn’t quite sell as an error.The Tigers didn’t exactly do much with Jays starter Marcus Stroman either. Stroman was wild early but settled in, no-hitting the Tigers until a sixth inning single from Nicholas Castellanos. Hard times may come, but for now the Tigers are in first place after an Opening Day victory. We’ll take it.Before we go further, let’s get another look at Christin Stewart’s game-winning missile in the 10th inning.Stewart was understandably ampedAnthony Fenech has his Opening Day game story up for The Detroit Free Press Mike Napoli Jersey , as does Chris McCosky of The Detroit News. While Stewart landed the big blow, Jordan Zimmermann was the story. Get a load of his new changeup at 00:20 of this clip. Grayson Greiner had a rough day at the plate, but he played his part in a strong effort from the Tigers pitching staff overall.AL Central Wrap-upThroughout the rest of the AL Central, the Minnesota Twins got off to a good start in their quest to end the tyranny of the Cleveland Indians. Staff ace Jose Berrios was outstanding, punching out 10 across seven shutout innings. His opposing number, Corey Kluber, was pretty good as well, but with Francisco Lindor out with calf and ankle injuries, that Indians lineup is liable to stumble out of the gate. In Kansas City, the Royals welcomed in the Chicago White Sox on a rainy Midwestern evening, and took them down by a score of 5-3 behind a solid start from Brad Keller. Keller blanked the Sox for seven innings, while Carlos Rodon of the White Sox was solid, but did surrender three runs, two earned. The Royals put together a balanced attack, with Whit Merrifield stealing a pair of bags to lead the way. Best of Opening DayOn the first official day of the 2019 season, MLB presented a pair of absolutely top shelf pitching matchups featuring duels between last season’s Cy Young winners and runner-ups. Jacob deGrom and the New York Mets locked up with Max Scherzer and the Washington Nationals. The Mets came out on top in that one, but both pitchers showed out, combining for 22 strikeouts.In the American League, Justin Verlander led the Houston Astros into St. Petersburg to battle 2018 Cy Young winner http://www.indiansfanproshop.com/authentic-b.j.-upton-jersey , Blake Snell and the Tampa Bay Rays. Verlander gave up a leadoff home to Austin Meadows, and did not appreciate such disrespect. From that point on, Verlander allowed just two hits, a walk, and no runs, hitting 97 mph regularly as the game progressed, punching out nine Rays in the winning effort. Things went poorly for Snell however. Michael Brantley and Jose Altuve each took Snell deep. Adding insult to injury, George Springer made it three straight Opening Days with a home run from the leadoff spot, also against Snell, who surrendered five runs in the loss. Advantage JV, as it should be. Good luck hitters.Meanwhile, out in LA, the Dodgers absolutely pummeled the Arizona Diamondbacks with a vulgar display of power.Finally, center fielder Lorenzo Cain was out there in Milwaukee doing Lorenzo Cain things.Around the hornJay Jaffe at FanGraphs looks at 10 things he’s excited for in the upcoming season. The staff over at The Ringer has their 2019 predictions up on their site. Nick Pollack over at Pitcher List reviews all of Opening Day’s starting pitching performances.You can also check out BYB’s staff predictions for the 2019 season here. Managing Editor Rob Rogacki had some bold predictions for you, and deputy editor Ashley MacLennan put together a Q&A with Tom Dakers of our sister site, BlueBird Banter to preview the opening series of the season.Baseball is awesomeThe Tigers introduced their starting lineup with a fun clip paying tribute to classic baseball video games. We approve. Well played, Tigers PR.