MINNEAPOLIS – Frigid temperatures and some late-inning Minnesota hits could not stop the Tigers from getting their first win of the 2013 season.
Detroit beat Minnesota 4-2 as Justin Verlander won for the first time on opening day in six attempts.
Just last week, Verlander signed a $180 million contract that will keep him in Detroit through 2020. He worked 5.0 innings, giving up just three hits and striking out seven.
Phil Coke got the save for Detroit recording the final two outs of the game.
The Tigers offense picked up where it left off last season. The defending American League champs were led by Prince Fielder who went 2-4 with one RBI. Jhonny Peralta was 2-3 with 1 RBI. Detroit newcomer Torii Hunter was 2-5 and Victor Martinez, who missed last season due to injury, was 0-3.
The Tigers are off on Tuesday but face the Twins again on Wednesday. Anibal Sanchez will get the start for Detroit.
