Detroit Tigers: Miguel Cabrera Finds His Power with Solid Home Runs

Detroit Tigers fans got what they were waiting for: Miguel Cabrera found his stride.

The Detroit Tigers Big Man has now hit home runs in back-to-back games.

His first one came off of Phil Hughes in the first inning on April 13. After sitting through nine games waiting for the first one, fans finally saw their favorite first baseman get his rhythm.

While this was a thoroughly satisfying moment in the 2017 season, it was the next home run that was the most enjoyable to see.

Big Home Runs from Miggy

Miggy’s second home run came in Friday night’s game against the Cleveland Indians and pitcher Trevor Bauer. After the way the Tigers were owned by the Indians in 2016, this home run lets the Indians know it wasn’t going to happen in 2017. It also continued to show fans how lucky we are to watch him play as a Tiger night after night.

This second home run drove in Jose Iglesias (who has had a slow season at the plate) and Ian Kinsler. After the home run, the Tigers led the Indians 4-0. But, this comfortable lead was not the only reason that the home run was so satisfying.

Bauer Gets Too Close

Earlier in the game, in the first inning, Bauer buzzed the 6’4″ tower. Not one to take any taunts from any pitcher, he pointed directly at the manager Terry Francona in the dugout. A bit of jawing ensued, which resulted in the umpires warning the Indians and Tigers against any more intentionally close pitches. That home run was a nice little bit of revenge for the Big Man.

This wasn’t the first time that Bauer has pitched tight to Cabrera or any other Tigers. In one game last season, Bauer hit three Tigers, including Miggy. Tight pitches are serious business and not to be taken lightly. Nicholas Castellanos was hit by a pitch in August of 2016 resulting in a broken hand and a long stint on the DL. In order for the Tigers to contend for the post-season, it is vital that the team remains healthy and intact. Fortunately, only one Tiger, J.D. Martinez, is injured and his replacements Tyler Collins and Mikie Mahtook are doing a fine job.

Miggy’s First Home Runs History

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Back to Miggy, there is no doubt that his current stats will increase dramatically. He has had one of his slowest season starts getting his first home run in the eighth game of the season. In 2016, he hit his first home run in the third game of the season, at the home opener against the New York Yankees. In 2015, his first home run was in the sixth game, but he already had four RBIs collected prior to that dinger. He hit his first home run in 2014 in the third game.

James McCann still leads the team with three home runs, but Miggy is catching up. Now, only one everyday player – Victor Martinez – has yet to hit a home run in 2017. This is also a surprise as he hit a home run in each of the first two games in 2016. But, in 2015, he didn’t hit a home run until May 6; that year, he only hit 11 of them and had the worst batting stats of his career. Hopefully, 2017 will not be a reprise.

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It is nice to see the Tigers drive in runs and move base runners. If the season continues to go like these first 10 games have gone, 2017 will be a good year.