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Detroit Tigers Shut Out Minnesota Twins in Opener

By Gwen De Young

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Apr 6, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers catcher Alex Avila (13) receives congratulations from shortstop Jose Iglesias (1) after he hits a two run home run in the second inning against the Minnesota Twins at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

If the first game says anything about how the Detroit Tigers season is going to go, many after today’s game one of 162 would be a good sign for the Tigers season. While yes we shouldn’t assume a win on opening day means we will win the World Series or anything crazy like that, but this team came out and showed us they are going to try as hard as they possibly can to get back to the postseason. If anything this game proved that this team is better than the team we got to see play last season.

4. 63. Final. 0. 2

The Tigers won 4-0 over the Minnesota Twins. David Price picked up the win and pitched 8.2 scoreless innings before being taken out in the ninth inning. Price didn’t give up a hit until the 5th inning and the Twins only managed to get 5 hits off the lefty. Closer Joe Nathan came in to get the last out and he did so, earning his first save of the season.

Price had a spectacular opening day start and is showing why the Tigers traded for him last July. He looks a lot more comfortable on the mound and he is showing that making him the opening day starter was a wise move by manager Brad Ausmus. Nathan also seemed to look much better than he had last season. He only needed to get one out and did it without making things uncomfortable close and got a save.

Detroit Tigers
Detroit Tigers /

Detroit Tigers

The offense showed up for the Tigers today. The Tigers posted 3 runs up in the 2nd inning. To kick it off J.D. Martinez hit a solo home run to make it 1-0. Alex Avila followed that up with another home run with a runner on base to make it 3-0 at the end of two innings. A Nick Castellanos sacrifice fly brought home Yoenis Cespedes to make it 4-0 Tigers at the end of six innings. The Tigers ended the game with 10 hits against the Twins and we saw production from not the typical part of the line up. Miguel Cabrera and Victor Martinez were 1-8 in the game. Yet, give it time that more than likely won’t happen much this season.

The Tigers also showed how much better they are defenselessly. A nice play by Cespedes in the top of the third to steal a home run away from Twins Kurt Suzuki was the highlight of the game and could be a top play on Sports Center.

Price told the media after the game that the Cespedes catch “was awesome”.

Also showing off his glove was Jose Iglesias who also was 2-3 at the plate and two stolen bases for the Tigers. He made a bunch of fantastic plays at short stop and looks to be back to being healthy again and that is a major upside for the team. Second baseman Ian Kinsler also showed off his glove making a spectacular jumping playing to keep Prices no-hitter going in the top of fourth inning. Kinsler was also 2-4 at the dish.

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This game should make you feel good for the season a little bit. Ausmus felt this game was “[I think it] was a very well-played game all around.” This team is good defensively, the line up is one of the scariest in Major League Baseball and their pitching rotation isn’t something to be worried about. Really the only thing this team has to worry about is their bullpen and while we didn’t use it much today, look for the rest of this series to maybe see them more often.

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What did you guys think of the Detroit Tigers opening day game? Was there anything you thought we should worry about? Do you just really like this team? Let us know below and don’t forget to stay connected to Detroit Jock City for all your Detroit Tigers news throughout the season.

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