Finally

It took much longer than expected, but the Tigers got victory No. 1. It wasn't a perfect performance, and some of the early season bugaboos (fielding, LOB, in particular) continued, but the bats finally woke up a bit. Detroit got 10 hits and 8 walks while only fanning twice. Defensively, there were 2 errors but also 4 DPs.

Jeremy Bonderman was good enough, and didn't fall apart when his defense let him down. Bobby Seay was terrific and Todd Jones made it interesting in the 9th. Bonderman, reportedly, went without his changeup last night and threw only fastballs and sliders.

Pudge Rodriguez got career hit No. 2,500 last night. He is the 87th player to reach that level.

The bottom of the order really delivered: Carlos Guillen had 3 runs thanks to 2 BBs and a HR; Edgar Renteria had 3 hits, including 2 doubles, and drove in 2 while scoring 2; Marcus Thames had a 2-run HR; and Brandon Inge had a 2-run single in the eighth to break open a 4-2 game.

I figured on one win in Boston, so if the Tigs can get another tonight it would be a great step forward. Nate Robertson faces Tim Wakefield. Maybe Magglio Ordonez busts loose; he's got a .455 BA and .788 SLG vs. Wakefield. Robertson hasn't had much success at Fenway (7.56 ERA in 16-2/3 IP) but has held David Ortiz to a .158 BA in 19 career ABs.