DETROIT -- David Price heard from teammates that Opening Day was like a holiday in Detroit. His 8 2/3 scoreless innings, helped by some heroics from his Tigers teammates, turned Monday afternoon's season opener at Comerica Park into an event in a 4-0 win over the Twins in Paul Molitor's managerial debut.
Price, the first Tiger other than Justin Verlander to start on Opening Day since 2007, nearly became the first Tiger to toss an Opening Day shutout since Mickey Lolich in 1970. He retired Minnesota's first 13 batters, helped by highlight catches from Yoenis Cespedes and Ian Kinsler.

But Price also frequently fooled a lineup of Twins hitters that dogged Tigers pitching most of last season. Three of his five strikeouts were on fastballs that were called third strikes, one to Twins All-Star Joe Mauer, another to former teammate Torii Hunter.