The Detroit News
 | The Detroit News
Chris McCosky, Tony Paul, John Niyo and Bob Wojnowski of The Detroit News predict the winner of Friday night’s winner-take-all Game 5 of the AL Division Series between the Tigers and Mariners (8:08, Fox).
â–¶ Chris McCosky: Never go against Tarik Skubal in a big game. Pick: Tigers win.
▶ Tony Paul: I hate waffling. I had Mariners in five before the series. But I also had a funny feeling I couldn’t shake about these Tigers, being written off by so many before this series. And now they get to go with their ace, Tarik Skubal, in Game 5, with the season on the line (for a second straight year in the ALDS). The Mariners won all three games Skubal started against them this year, including Game 2. I just can’t believe they win a fourth, especially if the Tigers’ offense finally has perked up to provide even a smidge of support. Pick: Tigers win.
â–¶ John Niyo: The Mariners can’t really beat Tarik Skubal for the fourth time in as many tries this season, can they? And the second time in a week? Sure, they can. But the reigning Cy Young winner is the reason why the Tigers are the favorites heading into Game 5. And the way the Tigers’ bats came alive in Game 4, with nine unanswered runs and so many of their key hitters getting in on the act, it’s hard to argue otherwise. Seattle’s home-field advantage is real — they’re an MLB-best 27-10 since the All-Star break at T-Mobile Park — but I’ll go with the confidence Skubal gives the Tigers, along with the managerial edge AJ Hinch has in this winner-take-all game. Pick: Tigers win.
▶ Bob Wojnowski: It’s hard to imagine the Tigers scoring nine runs or collecting 13 hits again. It’s also hard to imagine the Mariners frustrating Tarik Skubal again. I said before the series, if the Tigers take it to Game 5 with Skubal on the mound, they win. It’s not the way we envisioned it happening, but no reason to change the pick. Pick: Tigers win.
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