Tigers open with a 4-0 win over Yankees in Home Opener

The Detroit Tigers continued their hot streak with a 4-0 victory over the New York Yankees in the 2016 Home Opener at Comerica Park.  In front of 45,049 fans on a chilly 38 degree day the Tigers recorded their 8th straight Home Opening victory.  It also was the second year in a row that they opened with a 4-0 win last year they beat the Minnesota Twins with the same score. 

Now having covered every Home Opener at Comerica Park since the park opened in 2000 I see a growing trend.  Arriving early in Detroit the entire area around Comerica Park is already jammed packed with Tiger fans filling all of the parking lots.   In speaking to several fans through out the course of the afternoon they arrived early at 7:00a.m. to get parking and start the tailgate party. 

I would say by my own estimates that there are as many fans outside the ballpark that are in it.   The party area now encompasses about a one mile circle around Comerica Park.  There was an extremely strong Police presence around the ballpark to help all enjoy the day. 

Leading the day for the Tigers was Nick Castellanos with a 4 for 4 afternoon.  Slugger Miguel Cabrera again was hot with a 2 for 4 day with a home run and 2 rbi's.   Newly acquired Jordan Zimmerman was strong on the mound going 7 innings and not allowing a run with only 2 hits.  The game was played very quickly in 2 hours and 44 minutes to send the happy crowd out to their tailgate parties that took place after the opening victory. 

Detroit I believe is playing in the strongest division in baseball with the defending World Series Champs Kansas City Royals playing in the same division.   I believe that the Tigers will be in the 89-90 win range this season and qualify for the playoffs at the end of the season.   I'm happy with the start of the season to this point but their are 159 more games remaining on the schedule.   And yes I don't predict an undefeated season for the Tigers.   I firmly believe that they can pull of a 92-70 with the talent that they have.