American League Champions open the 2013 season at Comerica Park

Detroit Tigers defeat the New York Yankees in the first two games at home in 2013

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    icon Apr 07, 2013
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The 2013 Detroit Tigers opened the season at home with two victories over the arch rival New York Yankees.  The first two games of the year at Comerica Park were both sell outs under sunny skies in downtown Detroit.  The Tigers defeated the Yankees 8-3 behind the power of Prince Fielder stroking two home runs in the Home Opener.  Then in Game #2 the Tigers took out their bats and started to pound the ball with 17 hits in a 8-4 victory.  

Attending my 30th Home Opener I was amazed at the size of the crowds that now just come to Downtown Detroit to celebrate the opening of another baseball season in Detroit.  I would safely estimate that were at least 30,000 fans around the ballpark tailgating with friends and family in the parking lots.  Food and drink were in plenty of supply.   The weather cooperated with the Tigers this day with the sun shining through and the temperature reaching the mid 50's. 

Doug Fister and Max Scherzer both gave the Tigers 5 strong innings of pitching early in this season.   The bullpen which will be about the only question mark of the season closed out both games with a little excitement tossed in.   But with the solid line-up that the Tigers have scoring runs won't be a problem in 2013.   Drew Smyly and Darin Downs both gave the Tigers some strong innings in relief.   

The Tiger bats came alive on Saturday by pounding out 17 hits with 14 singles and 3 doubles.   Max Scherzer looked like the old Max by pitching a strong 5 innings and then running into a little trouble on Saturday.  Austin Jackson and Torii Hunter each had 3 hits while Miguel Cabrera was 4 for 4 in the victory.  To show you how the Tigers are being viewed this season all 3 games of the Opening weekend series are they are all on national television.

Each player received their 2012 American League championship ring before Saturday's game.  While Miguel Cabrera and Prince Fielder each receiving other awards.  All of the excitement that the Tigers experienced last year during their World Series run seemed like it was in full force during these first two home games of the season.  I see another World Series trip in 2013. 

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