Miguel Cabrera and Prince Fielder? No problem for newcomer Yu Darvish.
Darvish gave up one earned run and two hits over 6 1/3 innings, holding the dangerous Tigers lineup in check as Texas cruised to a 10-3 win in the first game of a four-game series.
For a while, it looked as though the Rangers inability to cash in on opportunities would cost them. They had 10 hits off Detroit starter Adam Wilk, but just two runs to show for it because nine of the hits were singles and they kept leaving runners on base. But when Wilk was relieved after a leadoff walk in the fifth, Texas scored two runs to extend a 2-1 lead to 4-1. The Rangers scored five runs in the eighth inning to pull away.
Mike Napoli went 2-for-5 with a solo home run and two runs scored. Nelson Cruz went 3-for-6 with two RBIs and a run scored. Every Ranger had at least one hit and seven had multiple hits. Texas has now won seven games in a row after taking the first game of what could be an ALCS preview.
For more on the Rangers, check out Lone Star Ball. For more on the Tigers, check out Bless You Boys.