The Detroit Tigers took down the University of Florida Southern in their exhibition opener, 12-2. They pulled ahead with six runs in the fourth inning.
Jose Inglesias started his first game in a year and Ian Kinsler was back in action. The Tigers got help from Manny Pina and James McCann, who both had RBI doubles. Wynton Bernard, an outfielder, went 2-for-2 with a double and two RBI's for Detroit.
"It was a great feeling to be back out there and just being in the uniform is amazing," Iglesias said to Anthony Fenech.
Tim Melville started the game and owned Florida Southern after pitching two scoreless innings. However, Kyle Ryan allowed two runs, but earned the win. Buck Farmer started for what seemed like a split second in the majors last season. He struck out two hitters in the sixth inning.
The Tigers' seven pitchers combined to record 11 strikeouts and three walks. It was quite impressive that the game took just under three hours.
Florida Southern had not scored a run in the annual exhibition since 2012, but they did on Monday. They had two runs in the top of the fourth after Jhalan Jackson doubled.
Austin Barnett got the loss after surrendering six runs on five hits and two walks. He only pitched one inning. Overall, it was not a good day for Florida Southern pitching.
"It is special playing the Detroit Tigers. I'm definitely thankful that the Tigers and the city of Lakeland still allow us to play the game," FSC's head coach Lance Niekro said following the loss.
"Odds are, not many of these guys will ever get the chance to even have the opportunity to move onto the next level. This game in general, being able to do it once a year, it's fun for us to come out and be on the same field as these guys."
Florida Southern will return to action this coming Wednesday, March 4, as they travel to St. Augustine. The Tigers will face off against the Baltimore Orioles to kick off the Grapefruit League on Tuesday.