While the Oakland Athletics franchise is one of the most successful in the history of baseball with the club winning 15 division championships and 9 World Series titles, the A's haven't enjoyed consistent postseason success in recent years. Last advancing to the American League Championship Series in 2006 - where they eventually fell to the Detroit Tigers - the Athletics are a team thirsting for an opportunity to make a deep run in the postseason. One win away from reaching their first ALCS in 7 seasons, Oakland can wrap up the 2013 American League Divisional Series with one more victory in Detroit.
The Tigers ended Oakland's last season in the ALDS and now that the A's have the ever-important 2-1 lead this time around, each member of the team is excited about the opportunity to return the favor. While the winner will advance to play either the Boston Red Sox or Tampa Bay Rays in the ALCS (Boston leads that series 2-1) both clubs knows their only focus is on Game 4 of their current series, a series the A's hope comes to a close on the road.
"One thing this team is good at is playing with consistency," A's outfielder Seth Smith said of his team's ability to remain focused no matter the circumstance. We'll go out there tomorrow just like we went out there today. There won't be any more emphasis on that game than on any of the playoff games."
While Oakland has certainly been balanced in all areas of the game, the Detroit Tigers and banged up third baseman Miguel Cabrera are definitely in need of a spark. The 2012 MVP continues to battle groin and abdominal issues, really hampering the team's ability in the power department but despite their star player's continued battle with pain, veteran outfielder Torii Hunter notes that the task is simple and the goal remains unchanged heading into a crucial Game 4 in Detroit.
"We know what we have to do," Hunter said. "It's just a matter of going out and doing it."
ALDS Game 4: Oakland vs. Detroit - DATE, TIME & TV INFO
DATE: Tuesday, October 8
TIME: 5:00pm, ET
TV COVERAGE: TBS
LIVE STREAM: CLICK HERE
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