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.

Apr 7, 2017; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers catcher James McCann (34) and center fielder JaCoby Jones (40) celebrate after the game against the Boston Red Sox at Comerica Park. Detroit won 6-5. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

Tigers Not Bothered By Knuckleballs Early

Knuckleball pitchers often find success because opposing hitters have trouble with the change of speed and movement of the pitch.

However, the Detroit Tigers didn’t have any issues with Boston’s Steven Wright early in the game.

Ian Kinsler singled while Nick Castellanos and Justin Upton drew walks in the first inning. JaCoby Jones also added a base hit in the second.

Double Plays

Double plays can kill rallies and run-scoring opportunities, as was the case for the Tigers at times on Friday.

The team grounded into three double plays in the second, third and sixth innings.

JaCoby Jones Makes Defensive Impact

The rookie center fielder continued to impress early in the season.

Jones made some key plays early on defense, including a nifty running grab to rob Jackie Bradley Jr. of extra bases in the top of the second inning.

In the fifth, Jones backed up second base on an errant pickoff throw by Michael Fulmer.

The center fielder was quick to get to a throw into center field by the starter, preventing base runner Pablo Sandoval from taking third base in the process.

In the end, the play ended up saving the Tigers a run, as Sandoval eventually moved to third base on a fielder’s choice.

With two outs in the inning, Andrew Benintendi later flew out to end the frame.

Apr 7, 2017; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers center fielder Mikie Mahtook (15) hits an RBI double in the eighth inning against the Boston Red Sox at Comerica Park. Detroit won 6-5. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

The Bullpen

Unfortunately, bullpen struggles are nothing new in the Motor City.

After Michael Fulmer and Justin Wilson combined for seven shutout innings, the usually reliable trio of Bruce Rondon, Alex Wilson and Francisco Rodriguez struggled.

In the eighth inning, the trio combined to get three outs while surrendering five runs.

This allowed Boston to get back into the game and potentially steal a win from the Tigers.

However, Detroit’s offense had other ideas.

The Offense Came Through in the Eighth

Heading into the bottom of the eighth inning, Detroit had the heart of the team’s order coming up.

Nick Castellanos, Miguel Cabrera and Victor Martinez were slated to hit against Heath Hembree.

Hembree initially struck out Castellanos and Cabrera before it all started to fall apart for him—and come together for the Tigers.

Martinez drew a walk, and was subbed out for pinch runner Andrew Romine.

Justin Upton also drew a walk before Mikie Mahtook notched his first hit with Detroit.

The outfielder connected on a pinch-hit double to score Romine. Fellow outfielder JaCoby Jones would later give the Tigers the advantage with a bases-loaded walk.

Jones, who has previously struck out at a high rate in the minors, turned in an excellent at-bat to draw a walk to give the Detroit Tigers a 6-5 lead.

K-Rod Hangs on

The veteran closer initially surrendered the lead in the eighth inning, but stuck around for the ninth.

Rodriguez picked up the win as he kept the Red Sox off the board.

Next: Doug Fister Makes Sense as Hypothetical Depth Piece for Tigers

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