The lone bright spot? Corey Julks launching the first Tigers home run of the spring — a small but welcome spark in an otherwise difficult afternoon. His swing showed life, timing, and at least a glimpse of early momentum.
Beyond that, it was a day to forget:
Pitching struggled to find command.
Defensive lapses extended innings.
The offense couldn’t sustain rallies.
Still, perspective matters. It’s Game 1 of the Grapefruit League. Spring training is about experimentation, innings distribution, and shaking off rust — not scoreboard statements.
Veterans are building timing. Young arms are testing adjustments. Coaches are evaluating depth.
Twenty runs looks brutal on paper, but March results rarely predict October realities.
If anything, early wake-up calls can sharpen focus. And with weeks of camp ahead, the Tigers have plenty of runway to reset, refine, and respond.
