DETROIT — Considering the opposition, the Tigers probably would have taken a 3-3 season-opening homestand. After all, Cleveland and Minnesota combined to go 13-7 against Detroit last year and 32-6 in 2019.
Still, the Tigers would be excused if they feel like Wednesday afternoon’s 3-2 loss to the Twins was a missed opportunity for their second consecutive series win. Matthew Boyd delivered seven innings in a game for the first time since Aug. 18, 2019. Rule 5 Draft sensation Akil Baddoo continued his historic start by tripling in one run and throwing out a runner at second base for his first outfield assist. But a pair of outs at the plate loomed large in a scoreless sixth inning for Detroit that featured four baserunners.
The Tigers’ opening schedule gets no easier from here. After an off-day Thursday, they’ll hit the road for a 10-game trip to Cleveland, Houston and Oakland, all playoff teams from last year. They’ll pack their bags with a .500 record and a few lessons learned from the opening homestand.