The Tigers 2011 home opener started off with a bang as newly acquired Victor Martinez had a bases clearing double in the first inning that got the Tigers rolling on their way 5-2 win Friday at Comerica Park.
This game should be a preview of what to come for this Tiger lineup. Having the best hitter in the game is one thing, but having the guys around him in the lineup is the key. Going out and getting Victor Martinez was a huge pick up and served true today, but Maggs and Brennan Boesch are no slouches by any stretch. It’s going to be hard to face those 4 hitters in a row without taking some damage.
Today was a perfect example. In the first inning Rhymes gets on with an infield hit, Maggs walks, Cabrerra walks and Martinez knocks em in. Just like that…3 runs on the board. Jhonny Peralta joined in on the action as well with a double in the first to score Martinez and an RBI in the 6th to score Cabrerra. Now the Tigers will obviously need to get some help from the rest of the lineup, but it will be the 3 through 6 hitters who will be doing most of the damage.
On the other end of things, Max Scherzer was just cruising along. Scherzer had his good stuff today throwing his fastball with control and keeping the Kansas City hitters off balance with his slider. He did get himself in a jam in the 4th inning by loading the bases with 2 outs, but got Alcides Escobar to ground out to end the threat. Scherzer gave up 7 H, 2 BB while striking out 3 and only surrendering 1 run in 6 innings.
Brayan Villarreal started the seventh inning and made a few big plays. He made a great play snagging a hard hit ball right back to him, taking a hit away from the Royals. He also picked a guy off of first base which end up saving a run. Villarreal gave up 1 run on 3 hits in 2/3 of an inning and Daniel Schlereth finished the 7th. Benoit and Velverde had no problems closing out the 8th and 9th allowing only 1 hit combined and struck out 2.
The Tigers move to 3-4 on the season and will be looking to continue its success tomorrow in game 2 of the series against the Royals. Phil Coke will be making his first start of the season for the Tigers and will face Bruce Chen in Saturday’s matchup.
Just a few notes: Will Rhymes had a couple hits today and a diving, run saving catch in the 7th inning to end a threat. Austin Jackson continues to struggle so far this season going 1-5 today keeping his average at just .200.
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