What a beautiful opening day in Detroit.

Justin Verlander started the game and lasted six innings, surrendering two earned runs.

In the second inning, Victor Martinez led off with a dong to right field, hitting the first home run of the year. He worked his ass off last year to get back in shape, so he’s not wasting any time. “I see you, Victor. I see you.” – Rod Allen

The Royals got pesky in the 4th, loading the bases thanks to a muffed ball by our shortstop. Verlander kept the damage to three Royal runs.

Austin Jackson brought us back after the seventh inning stretch with a triple. The Tigers will start to see how to hit in their ballpark. Only “Big Cat” and Victor can consistently go yard, the speedier players are better served to send line drives to the gaps.

Alex Avila took a walk with Jackson on third base and one out. Next up, Jackson stole home after Nick Castellanos struck out on a passed ball. Then, Alex Gonzalez made up for his error at shortstop with a triple of his own in between the left and center fielders, tying the game.

Detroit’s new and improved defense made some nice stops, including Verlander’s double play, Ian Kinsler’s diving and overall hustle, plus a diving save from Gonzalez.

The bullpen was smooth through the 7th, 8th and 9th innings, giving the offense a crack in the bottom of the ninth.

Avila gave us a base runner with one out thanks to another base on balls. Castellanos drove the Tiger to third base with a single, setting up Gonzalez. The crafty veteran worked a 2-0 count and took a strike. Then, Gonzalez sent one over the head of the pulled in shortstop for the winning run!

New Manager Brad Ausmus and the Detroit fans go home happy!