Akil Baddoo didn't wait around to inform Tampa Bay Rays starter Luis Patino that the Detroit Tigers were ready for Friday's matchup. He tagged a third-pitch fastball and sent the ball over the right-field wall for a leadoff home run.
Five days ago, Patino faced the Tigers at Comerica Park. He didn't allow a runner to reach until the third inning, gave up just two runs and pitched into the fifth frame. In the rematch, the Tigers were determined not to let Patino repeat his early dominance.
But Baddoo's powerful introduction, starting pitcher Casey Mize's limited one-run outing and solid bullpen efforts didn't matter in the ninth inning.