After a 2-4 road trip in which the team won one of three games in each of their first two series of the season, the Detroit Tigers return to Comerica Park for the home opener. Perhaps even better, the Tigers will be facing an AL Central rival, the Kansas City Royals.
But the Royals aren't looking like a pushover so far. Most expect them to be the team to beat in 2014 or 2015, with their stellar farm system. But the 2011 edition of Kansas City baseball is playing well so far. The Royals are tied for first place with the Indians and White Sox at 4-2.
Max Scherzer gets the Opening Day start in front of the home crowd. He earned the win in his debut last Sunday, despite giving up six runs and nine hits (four of them home runs) against the New York Yankees. Last year, Scherzer was 1-2 in four starts versus the Royals with a 2.66 ERA.
Starting for the Royals is Kyle Davies, who took a no-decision in his first outing of the year. In 5 1/3 innings versus the Angels, Davies allowed four runs and seven hits. He's faced the Tigers 12 times in his career, compiling a 3-8 record and 5.50 ERA. That includes a 2-3 record and 5.35 ERA in six starts at Comerica Park.
Here are the starting lineups:
Kansas City Royals
1. Chris Getz, 2B
2. Melky Cabrera, CF
3. Alex Gordon, LF
4. Billy Butler, DH
5. Kila Ka'aihue, 1B
6. Jeff Francoeur, RF
7. Wilson Betemit, 3B
8. Matt Treanor, C
9. Alcides Escobar, SS
Detroit Tigers
1. Austin Jackson, CF
2. Will Rhymes, 2B
3. Magglio Ordonez, RF
4. Miguel Cabrera,1B
5. Victor Martinez, DH
6. Brennan Boesch, LF
7. Jhonny Peralta, SS
8. Alex Avila, C
9. Brandon Inge, 3B
For more on the Tigers, click over to Bless You Boys. And check out Baseball Nation, for a look around Major League Baseball.