The Detroit Tigers took on the Miami Marlins at Joker Marchant Stadium in Lakeland, Florida at 1:05 PM EST. The Tigers (8-15-2) came away with an 8-4 win over the Marlins (11-10). The main reason for the win was a six-run sixth inning that sparked the offense.
Alfredo Simon got the ball for Detroit and struggled once again. He gave up four runs on eight hits over 4.2 innings. He allowed 10 base runners and gave up a solo shot to Donovan Solano.
David Phelps started the game for Miami. He went five strong, holding the Tigers scoreless and allowing just four base runners.
The Detroit bullpen dominated on Wednesday. They pitched a total of 4.1 innings and gave up zero runs. They gave up just five hits. Joe Nathan got the win and Bruce Rondon pitched a perfect eighth inning. Joe Mantiply came in for the ninth and gave up a hit.
Jose Inglesias, who is now hitting .091, was 2-for-30 to start his spring, but he went 1-for-3 against Miami. Many fans were relieved to see his success.
Miguel Cabrera had off-season right ankle and foot surgery, but he finally got his first start at first base. The "Big Fella" made a few nice plays, which showed both the foot and ankle are holding up. Miggy went 0-for-2 and is hitting .250 this spring.
Former Tigers utility man Don Kelly batted in the fourth slot for the Marlins. He started at first base and had an RBI double.
Another former Tiger was also around on Wednesday. It was Carlos Guillen, who announced his retirement back in 2012, was strolling in the clubhouse. Guillen played 14-years in Detroit and hit a career .285/.355/.443 with 1,331 hits and 124 home runs in his career.
The Tigers will face the Baltimore Orioles on Thursday at Joker Marchant Stadium in Lakeland, Florida. They will send David Price (0-1, 4.38 ERA) to the hill to face Chris Tillman (0-0, 1.50 ERA). Detroit's pitchers have really struggled this spring, but hopefully that will start to change sooner than later.