Detroit Tigers Home Opener 2017: Seven Observations From 6-5 Win

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Apr 7, 2017; Detroit, MI, USA; General view as the grounds crew prepares the field prior to the game between the Detroit Tigers and the Boston Red Sox at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

Detroit Tigers players rebounded for a 6-5 win over the Boston Red Sox in the first game of the season at Comerica Park. The Tigers fell behind late, but battled back for a win. Here are some observations.

Detroit Tigers fans came out in droves for the team’s home opener in 2017.

The Tigers played host to the Boston Red Sox, and initially jumped out to a 1-0 lead thanks to a Victor Martinez sacrifice fly.

That lead would hold until the sixth inning, when Martinez collected another RBI, this time plating Nick Castellanos on a single.

James McCann homered in the next inning, to push the lead to 4-0. Boston would rally with a five-spot to make it a 5-4 contest after the top of the eighth.

However, the Tigers did some rallying of their own, scoring two in the bottom half of the frame. Detroit held on for the win.

Bullpens have cost the team games in the past, but it was a good sign to see the Tigers rally for a win at home.

Here are some observations from the win.

Michael Fulmer Was Excellent

Michael Fulmer came out of the gate firing strikes early, punching out Brock Holt and Dustin Pedroia to begin the game.

The starter threw a number of pitches outside the strike zone as he walked Andrew Benintendi and fell behind Mitch Moreland.

However, Fulmer recovered to get Boston’s first baseman to fly out to end a scoreless first inning.

Overall, the pitcher finished with six shutout innings, allowing just four hits and two walks. He struck out four.

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