Detroit Tigers: Starting Off With a Well-Deserved Win

We made it, Detroit Tigers fans! After waiting longer than 28 of the other MLB fan bases, the Tigers delivered a good show on the South side of Chicago.

The 6-3 Detroit Tigers win over the Chicago White Sox was a showcase in hitting and pitching.

Despite a few defensive gaffs, the Tigers looked like a team that came to win.

With the White Sox rotation nearly decimated after the massive trading that occurred in the offseason, Quintana was an easy target for the offensive juggernaut that is the Tigers. With Verlander on the mound, the only thing that could get in the Tigers’ way would be the Tigers themselves.

The Rookie Gets It Started

Apr 4, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Detroit Tigers center fielder JaCoby Jones (40) celebrates with Detroit Tigers first baseman Miguel Cabrera (24) after hitting a three run homer during the second inning against the Chicago White Sox at Guaranteed Rate Field. Mandatory Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports /

But, with one swing of the bat from rookie JaCoby Jones, the Tigers let the White Sox know who was boss. Jones knew immediately that the ball was gone. So with one finger toward the sky and a smile that crossed Lake Michigan, Jones cemented himself as a player to watch in 2017. The first home run also proved that Al Avila made a good decision sending him north. Fortunately, his first career home run was enhanced by Justin Upton and Mikie Mahtook getting on base prior to his at-bat.

Not to be outdone, Nick Castellanos also showed that his new and improved swing is the real deal. His first home run of the regular season came after Ian Kinsler got on base, too. Keep in mind that the five runs scored in the second inning were on the current ACE of the White Sox. The ACE. Jose Quintana. It’s going to be a long season in Chicago.

Apr 4, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Detroit Tigers third baseman Nick Castellanos (9) celebrates with teammates after hitting a two run home run during the second inning against the Chicago White Sox at Guaranteed Rate Field. Mandatory Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports /

The scoring didn’t end in the second inning. Kinsler got in on the home run action, too. But, the Tigers found that six runs were enough to get the win. After the disappointing weather in Chicago yesterday, a six-run win was a reward for the faithful, patient fans.

Mid-Season Pitching Velocity

Along with the aggressive hitting, Verlander’s pitching looked like he was in mid-season form. Yes, the White Sox did score three runs, but it was due to sloppy play, rather than poor pitching. Verlander was hitting speeds in the upper 90s.

Verlander was still building his velo a year ago. This April, he's already at peak, getting Jacob May on 97 mph fastball in 5th.
— Evan Woodbery (@evanwoodbery) April 4, 2017

Not to be outdone by any other American League pitcher, Verlander is the current AL leader in strikeouts. His 10 K’s are two more than Danny Duffy earned in his first outing. And, only Madison Bumgarner has more, with 11. Carlos Martinez with the St. Louis Cardinals also has 10 K’s.

What About the Rest of the Series?

So, now that the first game is in the books, what can we expect to see in the rest of the White Sox series? If Mother Nature allows the other two games to be played, the Tigers shouldn’t have any problems with the rest of the White Sox rotation. James Shields will pitch against Jordan Zimmermann and Derek Holland will be pitching against Daniel Norris. The Tigers’ offense has had its way with Big-Game James with his 5.85 ERA and Holland is coming off of a 4.95 ERA with the Texas Rangers in 2016.

Next: Pitchers Who Rake and the DH

As long as the Tigers pitchers can hit their spots and foil the White Sox, the Tigers offense should be able to dominate.

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