Tigers Brighten Opening Day: Verlander Strikes Out 10, JaCoby Jones Hits 3-Run Homer

JaCoby Jones hits a three-run homer

If you were wondering what it would take to forget -- at least for a day -- about the losing ways of the lowly Red Wings and Pistons, well here it is: A Tigers victory.

The Tigers played splendidly on opening day Tuesday afternoon in Chicago, beating the White Sox 6-3, with outstanding pitching from Justin Verlander, who struck out 10. The last pitcher to do that on opening day was Mickey Lolich in 1970.

The second inning was big for the Tigers. JaCoby Jones hit a three-run home to give the Tigers a 3-1 lead. Then Nick Castellanos hit a two-run homer to put the team ahead 5-1.

Ian Kinsler hit a solo homer in the fourth and Chicago scored two more times.

There was good news in the bullpen, mostly. Justin Wilson got the last two outs of the seventh and Bruce Rondon go through the eighth without giving up a run.

Reliever Shane Greene was the least impressive. He came in to pitch in the ninth and hit the first guy and walked the next.

Then came closer Francisco Rodriguez, gave up one run and shut it down for the victory. 

The Tigers play the White Sox again at 2:10 p.m. Wednesday.