Tigers Sweep Marlins; Hand Hernandez First Home Loss

The Tigers didn't look at all tired after an 11-inning win on Opening night in Miami, continuing their solid play to a 7-3 win to sweep the Marlins in a two game set.

The Tigers got their biggest contribution of the game from Jarrod Saltalamacchia who was inserted into the lineup for James McCann. Batting 6th in the lineup, Saltalamacchia registered the Tigers first hit, a two run home run off of Jose Fernandez in the second inning. He would finish the game 2-5 with four RBIs, and a great defensive effort, gunning down speedster Dee Gordon in the 1st inning trying to steal second.

Marlins starter Jose Fernandez put up the better numbers registering 13 strikeouts in five and two-thirds innings, but also gave up 5 earned runs. He is credited with his first home loss in his 4th year in the league, all with Miami.

Anibal Sanchez picks up the win for the Tigers going five innings, striking out three and giving up two earned runs.

Victor Martinez registered his second home run in as many games. Both of his home runs came in pinch hit appearances late in both games.

Giancarlo Stanton had a chance to tie the game late as the Marlins were able to load the bases and bring their slugger up to the plate for a chance to hit his second home run in as many games but he was struck out by Francisco Rodriguez in a retribution outing after blowing the lead in the 9th last night. Rodriguez picks up his first save of the year in one third of an inning of work.

The Tigers are now 2-0 as they head home to face the New York Yankees in their 2016 home opener on Friday. Jordan Zimmermann is expected to face Luis Severino in the pitching matchup.