Game 5- The Home Opener Texas @ Detroit

TIGERS

1. Granderson, CF
2. Polanco, 2B
3. Ordonez, RF
4. Cabrera, 1B
5. Guillen, LF
6. Larish, DH
7. Laird, C
8. Inge, 3B
9. Everett, SS

P: Armando Galarraga

RANGERS

1. Ian Kinsler, 2B
2. Michael Young, 3B
3. Josh Hamilton, CF
4. Hank Blalock, DH
5. Nelson Cruz, RF
6. Marlon Byrd, LF
7. Chris Davis, 1B
8. Jarrod Saltalamacchia, C
9. Elvis Andrus, SS

P: Kris Benson

Today was the 2009 Home Opener for Detroit. It was a beautiful day to play (for early April anyway). It looked like most of the Rangers' outfielders had ear muffs on to fight of the chill.

The Tigers definitely did not feel any chill. They had 14 hits and 8 walks to on their way toward putting 15 runs on the board. Detroit seems to really bring their offense to the park when they play against Texas don't they? Last April the Tigers scored 37 runs against the Rangers in their series in April (10, 19 and 8 runs respectively). Today they continued that tradition handsomely.

Cabrera had a monster grand slam home run to cap off the 4th inning. He was 3 for 5 today and is hitting .611 in the first 5 games of the year with 3 home runs. He followed it up with a double in the 7th for 2 more RBI after almost taking a wild pitch to the side of his head. I just cannot image the focus it takes to almost get drilled and then stand back up and hit a double to the wall in left-center field. He is amazing.

Inge had another solid game (1-3 with 2 walks and 2 runs scored) plus and incredible catch in shallow left in the first inning. I has to be a web gem some where tonight.

On the mound Galarraga was very impressive. He had 8 K's and only 2 walks allowing only 1 run in 7 innings. He wasn't overpowering hitters the way it looked like Jackson did the other night, but he was certainly dominating the game. Perry started out great with a strike out, but then seemed to lose track of the plate. He walked 2 in his 2/3 of an inning before Leyland pulled him out and gave the ball to Bonine. Bonine allowed a home run in 1 1/3 innings but it didn't matter and the game was over.

It was a great day to watch the game. Once again we watched the game from 5/3 Ballpark (the home of the 5/3 Burger of great fame.) The weather was great this time and we were able to watch the West Michigan Whitecaps take batting practice. WLAV gave away tickets and t-shirts again too.

The only down note for me was when the fans at the game booed Lyon. As frustrating as that game was to lose, that was hardly the way to welcome him to Detroit. Really poor.