- Two things need to happen to make this a lot easier for the Tigers. Either they get a big lead or Max Scherzer goes at least seven innings. If it is within three runs and Scherzer isn't on the mound through the seventh inning, it will be far too close for comfort given the Tigers' suspect bullpen. Scherzer's pitch count (49) is far above ideal after three innings.
- The Tigers were so successful in the first inning because they didn't try to do too much with the pitches up in the strike zone at just the right velocity handed them on a silver platter by A's starter Bartolo Colon. They merely placed the bat on the ball and hit line drives. They were very solid at bats, and a sign of the Tigers' collective experience. Colon has done a much better job of getting the ball down since.
- Scherzer did a terrific job of getting out of the jam in the second inning after Yoenis Cespedes clubbed a triple for the A's. The ball was hit well. but I thought it was a play left fielder Andy Dirks should have made.
- Miguel Cabrera looks like he is moving better in the field and running slightly better than he did at the end of the regular season, at least so far.