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The new-look Detroit Tigers opened the 2015 season in impressive fashion today, shutting out the Minnesota Twins 4-0. There were plenty of contributors to today's victory, giving us several options for the year's first Player of the Game vote.
David Price rewarded manager Brad Ausmus' faith by throwing an Opening Day gem. He worked 8 2/3 shutout innings, striking out five while allowing five hits. He did not allow a walk. Price did not allow a baserunner until the fifth inning, and was one out from his third career shutout. At 101 pitches, Price may have been allowed to finish his gem later in the year.
J.D. Martinez hit the first home run of the 2015 MLB season, launching a solo shot to deep right-center field in the bottom of the second inning. Martinez's home run gave the Tigers a 1-0 lead.
Alex Avila added to the Tigers' lead in the second inning with a two-run home run to left field. The opposite field jack was his first since the 2013 season. He also hit an opposite field single in the fourth inning.
Yoenis Cespedes showcased the breadth of his skill set today, his first game in a Tigers uniform. He doubled in the second, tripled in the sixth, and scored two runs. On defense, he robbed a would-be home run from Kurt Suzuki in the third inning.
That was SICK, @ynscspds. @DAVIDprice14 approves. #OpeningDay pic.twitter.com/gFqtCCrjik
— Detroit Tigers (@tigers) April 6, 2015
Who's your player of the game?
Note: We're playing around with the Player of the Game format this year. We may keep doing posts, or just tack a poll onto the game recap. As always, your feedback is appreciated!