For the Detroit Tigers, there was plenty to celebrate during the first inning of Saturday’s doubleheader at Comerica Park against the Colorado Rockies.
Perhaps most importantly, all eyes were on future Hall of Famer Miguel Cabrera as he knocked on history’s door, entering the day with 2,999 hits. Cabrera wasted little time in barging into an exclusive club, rapping a first-inning single to right field against Colorado starter Antonio Senzatela to become the 33rd player in Major League Baseball history to log 3,000 hits.
He also became the fourth MLB player to get his 3,000th hit against a Rockies pitcher.
Certainly, Miguel Cabrera’s 3,000th hit was a moment to cherish for all of baseball, but Detroit Tigers fans were also able to celebrate something else in a big first inning against the Colorado Rockies.
Cabrera’s single was the second in three batters against Senzatela, giving the Tigers runners at first and third with one out in the frame. After the celebration for Cabrera’s accomplishment, Rockies right-hander struck out Jeimer Candelario. However, Detroit wouldn’t go quietly with the crowd still buzzing after watching history be made.
Jonathan Schoop singled to plate Austin Meadows and give the home team a 1-0 lead. Then Spencer Torkelson walked up to the plate and delivered his third homer of the season on the very first pitch he saw from Senzatela.
For Torkelson to come through in a big way in the same inning where Cabrera made history was the perfect bookend experience for Tigers fans. After all, they not only saw the first baseman who evolved into an icon in the Motor City get his historic moment, but also watched as Cabrera’s heir to the first base throne in Detroit showed exactly what he could do to change the game as well.
And let’s not forget that Cabrera scored on Torkelson’s home run, adding just a little more magic to the moment.
How awesome is this -- Miguel Cabrera just crossed home after an opposite field home run from Spencer Torkelson.
— Cody Stavenhagen (@CodyStavenhagen) April 23, 2022
Talk about passing the torch.
Cabrera has been completely supportive of Torkelson making his debut this season and taking his place at first base. On Saturday, with history as a backdrop, Cabrera and Torkelson both had a moment for Tigers fans to savor.