Detroit Tigers: Clean Up the Sloppy Play for Opening Day

It didn’t look like the Detroit Tigers were having any fun in their last opening series game against the Chicago White Sox.

After making the first win look easy, the Detroit Tigers just looked off.

The pitching, hitting, and fielding were all subpar, but it didn’t really look like the Tigers were giving it their all.

But, tomorrow is a new day. And, no matter what happens, it will be a good day. Especially since it is Opening Day at Comerica Park and Hall of Famer Ivan Rodriguez will be throwing the first pitch.

If you do not have your tickets, you can still buy them. Good ones are still available. If you do have tickets, be sure to dress warmly, because the temperature is going to be chilly with a high of 49°F – but rain is NOT in the forecast.

The Tigers haven’t played at Comerica Park since September 28 when they defeated Cleveland 6 to 3. They finished the 2016 season in Atlanta where they helped close out the old Turner Field. The Tigers lost two of the three they played with Atlanta, which resulted in the team missing a Wild Card spot. This was a tough reminder that every game does count.

With this reminder still fresh in the minds of the fans, the big loss today against the Chicago White Sox was a bitter pill to swallow. What also made it painful was the poor pitching from both Matt Boyd and Anibal Sanchez. These two battled it out for the fifth spot in the rotation. Boyd’s outstanding pitching in Spring Training set him apart from Sanchez and Pelfrey. Unfortunately, Boyd walked more batters in this game than he did in all of Spring Training.

During Spring Training, Boyd walked one batter and allowed six hits and six runs in 25 innings. Today, against the White Sox, he walked four and gave up five hits and runs. He also gave up one home run. Sanchez did not fare much better. While he didn’t walk as many, he also gave up five hits and runs.

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Along with the sad pitching stats, the offense did not help much. Yes, Tyler Collins did hit that beautiful home run in the second inning, but the Tigers had problems leaving runners on base. James Shields gave the Tigers plenty of chances to get the offense going; he walked five batters. But, the Tigers could not convert those walks into runs – this was a problem the Tigers had in 2016, too. Today, the Tigers left seven men on base – which is seven too many.

With the return to Comerica Park, the Tigers should have a bit more style and substance in the game. After playing to notably small crowds at Guaranteed Rate Field, the expected crowd at Comerica Park should increase the team’s drive to win. Seeing the big “Mr. I” in center field should also provide some serious inspiration for the team, too. It’s safe to say a tear or two will be shed during the opening ceremonies.

Next: How to Schedule the Tigers in Early April

Tomorrow’s Opening Day game will be the first time that Michael Fulmer will take the mound at home after winning the Rookie of the Year award. It will also mark Ian Kinsler‘s first appearance since finally winning a Gold Glove.