The Detroit Tigers began Grapefruit League play with a win over the Atlanta Braves, 5-4. Thanks to everyone who stopped by the Spring Game Thread to check in on the game, and a huge thanks (Roar!) goes to densogirl for effectively providing play-by-play to those wanting updates.
Fu-Te Ni is leaving to join the Chinese Taipei national team on a high note, picking up the win with a hitless eighth inning. (I love the back of his jersey; it looks like some letters fell off.) Justin Verlander also didn't allow a run, while giving up one run and two walks in his two innings. Zach Miner also pitched two scoreless innings.
Judging from the boxscore, Brandon Lyon didn't have a great day, giving up three runs on two hits in one inning of work. But as densogirl pointed out in her comments, the scoring began with an error on Brandon Inge, so all of those runs were unearned.
Who looked good with the bats? Miguel Cabrera, Ramon Santiago, Casper Wells, and Adam Everett drove in the Tigers' runs. And Gerald Laird, Inge, and Santiago each got two hits.
It always feels better to begin with a win, doesn't it? (Especially after a dreadful start last season.)