Game 1 is no fun

Thoughts from Opening Day:

Some in Detroit already have the sky falling. There’s no doubt the Tigers let one get away, but these things will happen over 162 games. It’s only more noticeable because it’s Game 1.

Miguel Cabrera made a throwing error on the first ball he handled, but later made his first hit a HR. This, in a nutshell, is what many projected.

Brandon Inge’s two-out BB in the second inning set up Edgar Renteria’s RBI single to give Detroit a 1-0 lead. Inge also threw out a runner at the plate in the 11th from CF.

Magglio Ordonez got thrown out at home in the third to end the inning. I didn’t see the game, so I’m not sure if it was a good move to send him. But my general thought is with two outs you go for it and force the defense make the play.

Justin Verlander fizzled after being tough early. He gave up a 2-run HR in the sixth and then walked the leadoff man in the seventh, followed by a single to make it first and third. Jason Grilli and Aquilino Lopez gave up RBI singles and KC led 4-3. Tough situation for the pen with first and third and no outs, but you have to limit the damage to a run, I think; particularly when the second RBI hit came with two outs.

Denny Bautista let the leadoff man reach base in both the 10th and 11th. He escaped the 10th and looked like he could do the same in the 11th, but it wasn’t to be. Again, the big hit came with two outs.

Detroit got a runner to third with one out in the 11th, but Renteria K’d and Placido Polanco grounded out. I understand it was a nice stop by Gordon in the hole.

The Tigers had four doubles and two HR, but it wasn’t enough. They left 10 runners on base, which is too many for this lineup, but will happen from time to time.