Porcello Rebounds in Tigers 9-3 Win

The Detroit Tigers beat the Kansas City Royals tonight 9-3.

Some were concerned about the Tigers offense starting the season slower than expected. Well, tonight they started off very, very fast.

Austin Jackson and Brennan Boesch each hit a single to start the game. Miguel Cabrera, who owns Luke Hochevar, followed with a RBI double. Next, Prince Fielder hit a ball hard to Eric Hosmer who had a throwing error trying to throw Brennan Boesch out at home. The ball got past the catcher and allowed Miguel Cabrera to also score. Andy Dirks was next and he hit a single to score Prince Fielder thanks to a bobble in the outfield by Jarrod Dyson. Alex Avila came up next and hit a single, so Jhonny Peralta was now up with runners on 1st and 3rd with no outs; Peralta went hit a RBI single which scored Andy Dirks. Ramon Santiago made the first outs of the inning when he hit into a double play, and Don Kelly made the final out of the inning. The Tigers entire lineup hit in the first inning and had a 5-0 lead, and Hochevar threw only 22 pitches.

The Tigers came back in the 3rd inning to score after back-to-back walks to Alex Avila and Jhonny Peralta. Ramon Santiago attempted to lay a sacrifice bunt down, but Alex Avila got thrown out at 3rd on a force play. Don Kelly was next and had a RBI single, and then Austin Jackson followed with a 2 RBI double. After 3 innings it was 8-0.

The Tigers scored again in the 4th after Alex Gordon lost a ball in the lights which was ruled a double for Andy Dirks. However, Dirks appeared to hurt his hamstring again, so he left the game. Brad Eldred came to pinch run for him and scored on a RBI single by Jhonny Peralta to make it 9-0.

Austin Jackson had his third 4 hit game tonight on the season. He had only two 4 hit games in all of 2011.

Rick Porcello pitched well tonight after struggling in his past two starts. He pitched 8 innings giving up 7 hits, 3 runs, striking out 3 batters to earn the win.

Phil Coke pitched a scoreless 9th inning in relief.

The Tigers finish up their series with the Royals tommorow when Justin Verlander takes the mound against Luis Mendoza.

Picture credit: mlive.com
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