MINNEAPOLIS — The Detroit Tigers’ two biggest surprises of the early season put on a show Saturday afternoon, stopping the team’s losing streak in the opener of a split doubleheader at Target Field.
Rookie right-hander Spencer Turnbull was good again, pitching into the sixth inning with some of his best stuff all year. Shortstop Ronny Rodriguez continued his torrid pace at the plate, hitting two tape-measure home runs.
But after the Tigers bullpen coughed up a late lead, it was John Hicks who powered them to victory, hitting a solo home run just over the left field wall in the top of the ninth inning for a 5-3 win.