Tigers back Boyd, rout Twins 8-2 in doubleheader opener
Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Matthew Boyd throws during the fourth inning of the first baseball game of a doubleheader against the Minnesota Twins.[AP/Carlos Osorio]
Matthew Boyd pitched six solid innings for his first victory of the season, and Victor Reyes had four hits to lift the Detroit Tigers to an 8-2 win over the Minnesota Twins in the first game of a doubleheader Saturday.
It was the first quality start of the season for Boyd (1-4), who was Detroit’s opening day starter. The left-hander allowed one earned run and four hits with six strikeouts. Nelson Cruz hit a solo homer off him in the sixth, but by then the Tigers had built a comfortable lead.
Detroit has won five of its last seven.
The Tigers hit Minnesota starter Randy Dobnak (5-2) hard, and they could have won by more if they hadn’t grounded into four double plays in the seven-inning game.
Dobnak allowed six runs and 12 hits in 4 1/3 innings.
Detroit took a 1-0 lead in the second when Christin Stewart hit an RBI double off the glove of left fielder Eddie Rosario. Jorge Polanco hit a sacrifice fly for Minnesota to bring home an unearned run in the third, but Jonathan Schoop’s run-scoring single put the Tigers back ahead in the bottom half.
Stewart hit a sacrifice fly in the fourth, and Austin Romine’s RBI single made it 4-1.
Dobnak departed with the bases loaded in the fifth. Jorge Bonifacio then hit a two-run single off reliever Lewis Thorpe. Niko Goodrum, the second runner to score on that play, was initially called out at the plate, but a Minnesota infielder appeared to have impeded Goodrum’s path between second and third. Third base umpire Manny Gonzalez called interference, and Goodrum’s run was awarded.
Miguel Cabrera hit a two-run double in the sixth for his 2,839th career hit. He’s now tied with Tigers great Charlie Gehringer for 50th on the career major league list.
The series opener between these teams Thursday was called off amid athlete protests for racial justice. Then a doubleheader Friday was postponed because of the weather.
TRAINER’S ROOM
Twins: RHP Jake Odorizzi (bruised ribs) said he’s been able to play catch recently. He was hit by a line drive Aug. 21. “Looks like I got kicked in the chest by a horse," he said. … Manager Rocco Baldelli said 3B Josh Donaldson (calf) could potentially be back during the team’s next homestand.
UP NEXT
Tarik Skubal (0-1) takes the mound for Detroit against Minnesota’s Matt Wisler (0-1) in the second game of the doubleheader.