Dillon Dingler, Framber Valdez launch Tigers to home opener win
Dillon Dingler hit his second homer of 2026 to pace the Detroit Tigers in a 4-0 home opener victory over the St. Louis Cardinals on Friday.
Home sweet home. The warm weather was beautiful – bright sunshine, temps in the 70s and blue skies. Detroit Tigers pitcher Framber Valdez was excellent.
The offense perked up, Dillon Dingler went yard and the Tigers rolled to a 4-0 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals in their home opener at Comerica Park on Friday, April 3. The Tigers snapped a four-game losing streak and have now won 15 of their last 18 home openers.
The shutout was their third in a home opener, following blankings in 2015 and 2016 – also by 4-0 scores. The Tigers took control when Dingler, the Gold Glove catcher, crushed a two-run home run in the fourth inning, getting the ball up in a strong wind. Dingler’s homer traveled 433 feet, the longest of his career (his previous long was 419 feet in 2025).
THE SCENE: 'A different atmosphere': Tigers fans flock Detroit for Opening Day Dingler now has two homers for the season. The rest of his teammates have none. Ground level approach Valdez, the ground-ball machine, got the start for the Tigers.
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