Tigers Win on Opening Day

The Detroit Tigers won their opening day match-up yesterday, 3-2, over the Boston Red Sox. The Tigers got eight strong innings from starter Justin Verlander who pitched like it was still last season when he won the American League MVP and Cy Young awards.

Austin Jackson had a solid game going 3-4 and then delivering the game winning single in the bottom of the ninth inning after closer Jose Valverde blew his save opportunity. Valverde, who was perfect in save opportunities last year - 49 for 49, struggled against the Red Sox giving up two runs in thee ninth after coming on to relieve Verlander. Valverde got the "win" after Jackson's game winning hit in the second half of the inning.

According to the Detroit News, new Tiger Prince Fielder saw all his hard work in the off season pay off. He dug two throws out of the dirt by SS Johnny Peralta helping to keep the game tied.