[Hendu Style]

While we rode the arm of Jon Lester in the ALDS, it was John Lackey and R.A. Dickey who carried the A's in the ALCS. Lester was riding on fumes after his two starts against the Royals, and it showed in Game 4 of the Championship Series in Detroit, as he lasted just 4 innings against the American League's top scoring offense. Where Lester came up short, teammates Lackey and Dickey came on strong. Lackey earned victories in Games 1 and 5, allowing just two runs in 14 innings, while striking out 14 batters. Dickey was also clutch in Game 3 and 6 victories, surrendering just 2 runs in his 13.2 innings of work, fanning 16 on the way. The A's beat the Tigers in six games, to reach their first World Series since 1990.