World Series Game 5 keys
For Detroit, it's do or die. Starting pitcher Justin Verlander has to find a way to not only hold the Cardinals offense in check, but shut it down. Detroit's bats showed some signs of life last night in Game 4, but the Tigers need to get some clutch hits with runners in scoring position, something the Cardinals have been doing considerably better for the entire Series. Second baseman Placido Polanco is still without a hit in the World Series. He's back in the lineup again tonight, hitting seventh.
For St. Louis, it's a matter of maintaining momentum. Jeff Weaver pitched well in Game 2, but took the Cardinals' only loss of the Series when he was outpitched by Kenny Rogers. Cards Manager Tony La Russa has changed his lineup slightly from last night's, putting So Taguchi in left field and reinstating Ronnie Belliard at second base. If David Eckstein can provide a spark at the top of the lineup like he did last night, the Cardinals will be hard to beat.