Drew Smyly started his first game since learning he'll be a member of the Detroit's rotation later this month, meanwhile the middle of the Tigers' batting order flexed its muscle as a possible version of the opening day lineup took the field. Detroit finished its final game at its Lakeland home with an 11-8 victory over the Blue Jays.
The 2-3-4-5 of Detroit's lineup was impressive. Brennan Boesch went 3-for-4 with a double. Miguel Cabrera is Miguel Cabrera. Prince Fielder and Delmon Young hit back-to-back home runs in the second inning as part of a seven-run outburst. Young finished the day 3-for-4, also adding a double.
That second inning must have felt like it would never end. Seven Tigers in a row got one-out hits. Several were obviously of the extra-base variety.
On the mound, Smyly went 5 1/3 innings, allowing four runs on four hits and two walks. All of the runs came in the fifth inning, as a leadoff walk and a couple of singles eventually led to mayhem and a home run.
The relievers took care of the rest for Detroit, although Colin Balester gave up three runs in less than two innings on the mound.
Detroit finishes up the Grapefruit League season at the Blue Jays' winter camp Tuesday before heading north for an exhibition Wednesday against the Mud Hens.
THEN THE SEASON BEGINS AND IT COUNTS!!!