Tigers pitchers put clamps on Cardinals for Opening Day triumph
Detroit – The Tigers’ 2026 home opener at Comerica Park checked all the boxes Friday. Weather, check: Clear, sunny, 70 degrees at first pitch. Atmosphere, check: Electric.
Festive. Sellout crowd of 45,008, the largest for a home opening since 2017. BOX SCORE: Tigers 4, Cardinals 0 Fans gave new lefty Framber Valdez a big ovation on his way to his pre-game warmups, on his way back from his warmups and when he was announced before the game.
The loudest cheers came when Tarik Skubal and Justin Verlander were announced back-to-back. Skubal’s ovation was a mixture of cheers and Skuuubs, Verlander’s was a full cascade of hearty cheers. Rookie Kevin McGonigle drew an enthusiastic roar, as well.
The most precious moment was the ceremonial first pitch. Brandon Inge threw it, Verlander caught it. It was like 2011 all over again.
Positive outcome, double-check. The Tigers snapped a four-game losing streak, riding six shutout innings from Valdez and a mammoth two-run homer by Dillon Dinger to a 4-0 win over the St. Louis Cardinals.