DETROIT, Mich. — In proper Detroit fashion, snow began to flurry as the Tigers (1-0) opened up their season at home. As 2020 Cy Young winner Shane Bieber stared down Miguel Cabrera with 2 outs, the snow really picked up. And when Cabrera drove a 1-1 fastball over the right-field wall, it was tough to even see the ball. Cabrera must have struggled to see it, too; despite the ball hitting the right-field railing, Cabrera slid hard into 2nd base before realizing he had homered.
“I look at the umpire, I say, ‘Okay, thank you,” said Cabrera speaking on the moment he found out what truly happened.
The homer was the beginning of the 3-2 Opening Day win for the Tigers over Cleveland Indians (0-1). For Cabrera, the home run was his 350th in a Tigers uniform. That marks him third on the Tigers’ all-time list behind Al Kaline (399) and Norm Cash (373). Overall, Cabrera has hit 488 home runs in his career, which ranks 30th all-time.
Statistically, Cabrera’s 2 RBIs and a run scored on the home run stood out for the Tigers. Centerfielder Jacoby Jones added an RBI double in the 2nd inning. For the Indians, catcher Roberto Perez had 2 hits, including a 2-run home run in the losing effort. Shane Bieber takes the loss, giving up 5 hits and 3 ER. Still, his repertoire was on full display as he racked up 12 K’s over 6 innings pitched.
Boyd delivers a stellar outing
On the mound, Matthew Boyd made his 2nd career start on opening day for the Tigers. After a sub-par season in 2020, he got on the right track in 2021 against the Indians. He gave 1st-year manager AJ Hinch 5.2 Innings, blanking the Indians while striking out 2. After the game, he mentioned the energy the new staff and opening Day gave the team.
“It’s different. And that’s not a knock on (Ron Gardenhire’s) Staff or Brad (Ausmus) staff. It’s going to be different when you bring in a new staff. You know, there was a lot of energy. Opening Day just elicits that,” said Boyd.
For Boyd, his pitch count rose due to 4 walks over those 5.2 innings pitched. On a cold Opening Day, his day was surely shortened as he broke 90 pitches in the 5th inning. Still, he was able to earn his first win of the season as he turned the game over to the bullpen.
For the most part, the bullpen did their job. Boyd handed the ball off to Jose Cisnero, who pitched outstanding in his inning of work. He struck out 2 of 3 batters he faced before handing the ball off to Daniel Norris. His work was less perfect but he got the job done, holding the Indians scoreless to the top of the 9th.
In the 9th, the Tigers turned to their new closer, Gregory Soto, who ran into some trouble. After securing the 1st out, he let up a single to pinch hitter Amed Rosario. Quickly, things looked like they may spiral as Perez homered for the Indians, cutting the lead to 1. However, he was able to cool off and retire 2 of the next 3 batters, securing the save. The save is just the 3rd in Soto’s three-year career.
Up Next
Tigers vs. Indians, Saturday, April 3, Comerica Park, Detroit, Mich.
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