DETROIT, Mich. (March 31, 2014) — The biggest Opening Day crowd in Comerica Park history did not go home disappointed.
Alex Gonzalez hit a walk-off RBI single in the bottom of the ninth to cap a 2-for-4, 2 RBI debut in Detroit to give the Tigers a 4-3 win against the Kansas City Royals.
Joe Nathan (1-0) picked up the win in his first appearance with the Tigers after pitching a perfect ninth inning.
An Opening Day-record 45,068 fans packed Comerica Park to see the 2014 debut of the three-time defending American League Central champions.
Justin Verlander was up-and-down in his Opening Day start, throwing six innings, giving up three runs (two earned), walking three, and striking out two on 105 pitches.
Miguel Cabrera went 1-for-3 with a double in his first game after agreeing to a eight-year, $248 million extension on Friday.
