The Detroit Tigers started their 2015 season (April 6) with an impressive win, as they recorded a 4 -0 shutout over Central Division rival, the Minnesota Twins. With David Price getting the starting pitching nod for the prestigious season Home Opener, the lefty didn’t disappoint. He perfectly mowed down opposing batters for the first four innings. The Twins got their first hit off Price in the top of the 5th when Kennys Vargas lined a sharp single to left. The Twins, however, could manage on four more hits for the rest of the game, all of which were singles. Price didn’t walk anyone. He went 8 and 2/3 innings for the win, before turning the ball over to closer Joe Nathan with runners on first and second and two outs. Nathan got the final out for his first save of the season. Twins pitcher Phil Hughes took the loss.
Price got plenty offensive support from teammates, as they banged out 10 hits, including right fielder J.D. Martinez’s solo homerun in the second inning to right-center field, the deepest part of Comerica Park. Left handed batter, Alex Avila, hit a two-run, opposite field blast in the bottom of the same inning, giving Price a 3 – 0 lead, which proved to be all that he would need for the victory.
New leftfielder, Yoenis Cespedes, who came over to the Tigers in an off-season trade with the Boston Red Sox for pitcher Rick Porcello, quickly endeared himself with the electrifying sellout crowd of 45,030, by legging out a double and triple for the game. He also made a spectacular leaping catch of a ball off the bat of catcher Kurt Suzuki that looked like it was going over the leftfield wall for a sure homerun. Cespedes, however, had other plans, which was the defensive highlight play of the game.
Additionally, Tiger third sacker Nick Castellanos, second baseman Ian Kinsler, and shortstop Jose Iglesias all flashed leather with sparking defensive plays at their respective positions. Iglesias, after sitting out last season with shin injuries, also stole two bases; Rajai Davis, who started in centerfield, got into the act with a steal following a walk.
Yet, all eyes were on Price, who is the first African American Opening Day starting pitcher in 47 years for the Detroit Tigers. According to Tiger historians, starting pitcher Earl Wilson got the home Opening Day start in 1968. He is the only other Black pitcher in team history to toe the slab as a season opening starters in the club’s 114-year history. Wilson lost, however, to the Boston Red Sox at old Tiger Stadium. Speaking of history, Price’s shutout is the first Home Opening blanking since 1954, when starting pitcher Steve Gromek kept the Baltimore Orioles off the scoreboard, 3 -0 at old Briggs Stadium
Through it all, Price was humble. “I was very appreciative to have the opportunity to pitch Opening Day; it was a huge honor,” said Price. “I wanted to give my team and the fans my best effort, and for us as a team to get a win on day one, which we did. I’m extremely happy for the team, fans, and the city of Detroit.”
All in all, it was the start the Tigers needed on a cool, but nice afternoon at Comerica Park. After a long, cold winner in the city, it was evident that Tiger fans were ready to roar. “It’s awesome to be out here today,” said Mark T. Andersen from Detroit, who brought his two young sons to the game. “I’m excited about the season and believe we can go all the way this season.”
One of his sons, Jason, 10, agreed. “The Tigers are going to the World Series,” he said. “I can’t wait.”
With at least 161 more regular season games to go this season, and hopes of winning all post season playoff series, many Tiger fans are hoping that little Jason is absolutely correct.
