Tigers News: Prince Fielder King For The Day, Launches Two Bombs

Opening Day is always a special event around the city of Detroit and today was no exception. Despite a chilly feel to the crisp, cool air, the sun was shining on the ball field at Comerica Park brilliantly. The thoughts of months of snow melted for the thoughts of a cold beer, a hot dog and a great day of watching Detroit Tigers baseball. The crowd was not disappointed.

Having struggled to start the 2013 season, Prince Fielder turned his act from Court Jester to King of the court, or should I say ball field as he had an excellent Friday afternoon, smashing two home runs as he went 2-for-4 with two runs and five runs batted in, lifting his season average to .250. He wasn’t the only player that starred today though.

Avila hit his first home run of the season in the sixth off of Shawn Kelley, extending the lead to 6-3 over the New York Yankees, in a rematch of last post season opponents.

Starter Doug Fister, who had a very rough spring training, pitched five innings, allowing eight base runners, two of which were walks. Striking out two and allowing a home run, Fister had his fair share of ups and downs. But in the end, despite posting a 5.40 ERA for the game, Fister secured his first win of the season.

Drew Smyly, who was roughed up in the first game this season against the Minnesota Twins, pitched four shutout innings while striking out five to get his first save of the season.

Other Game Notes: Right Fielder Brennan Boesch returned to Detroit for the first time since being let go by the Tigers this spring. He went 1-for-4 on the day. Austin Jackson raised his season average to .375, going 2-for-4 against the Yankees.