Tigers Take Series from Rays, Smyly Survives Debut

The Detroit Tigers beat the Tampa Bay Rays yesterday 7-2 at Comerica Park and rookie pitcher Drew Smyly survived his major league debut.

The Tigers got four RBI's from Brennan Boesch who was celebrating his 27th birthday. Alex Avila and Andy Dirks also contributed as the Tigers are now 5-1 on the young season.

According to the Detroit News, Smyly was pitching at the University of Arkansas just two years ago. The 23-year-old left-hander relied on his fastball and made it through to the fifth inning when Tiger's manager Jim Leyland pulled him. Smyly left the game down 1-0. Former Tiger Carlos Pena hit a solo home run.

The Tigers now travel to Chicago where they will begin a three game series against the White Sox.