Tigers Fall in Back-And-Forth Opening Day

If an extra day to wait for the beginning of the 2018 Detroit Tigers season was needed, it was well worth the wait.

After the rain pushed the sell-out crowd towards Friday's Opening Day, the Tigers only had one lead against the Pittsburgh Pirates before falling 13-10 in 13 innings. It had all the senses of a season debut from both clubs, as they combined for five errors on the afternoon.

The game could have ended in a 11-10 win after 10 innings, but a close play at home plate with Nicholas Castellanos ended the inning as an out after an umpire review. The changed call forced an argument and ejection of Tigers manager Ron Gardenhire in his first game on the bench.

Dixon Machado drove in three runs, including two in the ninth to tie the game at 10-10. Five players, including Machado, had two hits each.

After a strong start from Jordan Zimmermann, throwing six innings and allowing four runs while fanning eight, the bullpen was rocked for the nine remaining runs. Tigers closer Shane Greene even allowed three runs in the ninth when the game was knotted up a 6-6. Alex Wilson took the loss on the mound, serving up Gregory Polanco's three-run homer in the 13th.

The second game of the three-game series is Saturday, with Michael Fulmer getting the start for the Tigers. Catch the game on 95.3 WBCK beginning at 12:45pm!