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Justin Verlander and JaCoby Jones lead Detroit Tigers past White Sox on Opening Day

By Megan Wilson

Sep 11, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Justin Verlander (35) during the first inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 11, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Justin Verlander (35) during the first inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Justin Verlander matches Mickey Lolich in Opening Day strikeouts in Detroit Tigers win over Chicago White Sox

The wait is over for Detroit Tiger fans, as Opening Day finally arrived after being postponed due to a rain delay on Monday. The Tigers beat the Chicago White Sox in convincing fashion, 6-3 as JaCoby Jones became the first Tiger rookie to hit his first MLB home run on Opening Day since Kirk Gibson in 1980.

Justin Verlander started his ninth Opening Day, allowing only two runs, striking out 10, and walking 2 in 6.1 innings. Verlander’s outing today was the most strikeouts by a Tiger pitcher on Opening Day since Mickey Lolich in 1970, when he fanned 10.

Justin Verlander had all the run support he needed to earn his second Opening Day victory as Tiger batters pounded out three home runs off White Sox starter Jose Quintana. Nick Castellanos added to the score in the second inning, as he drove in a two-run home run. Ian Kinsler added to the Tigers home run parade with a solo shot off Quintana, making the score 6-2.

Justin Upton left the game as a precautionary measure and was replaced by Tyler Collins. Upton is day to day with a left knee contusion.

Francisco Rodriguez came in to record the save once Shane Greene allowed two men on base in the ninth inning. The only blemish on Tiger pitching was Greene showing inconsistencies again; perhaps it is time for him to have a session with bullpen whisperer Rich Dubee.

The Tigers are looking to build on last year’s season, as they finished second in the American League Central, falling just shy of a Wild Card berth. With the current pitching rotation, they should finish second behind the Cleveland Indians.

A dominant Justin Verlander, followed by Daniel Norris and Matthew Boyd will shore up any questions in the Tigers pitching rotation. Once J.D. Martinez returns from the disabled list, the Tigers bats should fall nicely into place.

Next: Tigers All-Time 25-Man Roster

The White Sox will host the Tigers at Guaranteed Rate Field at 2:10 p.m. on Thursday.

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