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Castellanos' blast helps Tigers cruise past Twins

Apr 26, 2014 - 7:34 AM Minneapolis, MN (SportsNetwork.com) - Nick Castellanos belted a two-run homer and added an RBI single during a seven-run third inning, as the Detroit Tigers posted a 10-6 win over the Minnesota Twins in the opener of a three-game series at Target Field.

Torii Hunter had three hits and knocked in two runs for the Tigers, while Rajai Davis finished 3-for-4 with an RBI. Detroit starter Rick Porcello (3-1) was tagged for four runs on six hits in five-plus innings of work.

"The guys up and down the lineup drove the ball pretty well," said Tigers manager Brad Ausmus. "Everyone contributed."

Jason Kubel went 3-for-4 with an RBI and Kurt Suzuki had two sacrifice flies for Minnesota.

The Tigers jumped on Twins starter Kevin Correia (0-3), who was victimized for eight runs -- seven earned -- on eight hits in 2 1/3 innings.

"The majority of the balls they hit went the other way," said Correia, "so that'll be an adjustment I'll have to make."

Castellanos opened the scoring in the second with his line-drive homer to right field. He was then part of the third-inning hit parade against Correia and reliever Anthony Swarzak.

Hunter led off with a double and scored on a one-out single by Victor Martinez. After Austin Jackson doubled, Castellanos singled home Martinez. Correia then issued consecutive walks to Alex Avila and Andrew Romine to force in a run and end his outing.

Davis greeted Swarzak with a bouncer to right and Avila scored on an Ian Kinsler infield hit before Hunter plated a pair with a single to cap the outburst.

An RBI single by Miguel Cabrera made it 10-1 in the sixth.

The Twins put up four runs in home half of the inning. Brian Dozier homered to left off Porcello, who was removed after Joe Mauer singled and Trevor Plouffe drew a walk.

Justin Miller took over on the mound and gave up run-scoring hits to Chris Colabello and Kubel and Suzuki's second sac fly.

Mauer reached on a two-out error in the seventh and scored on Plouffe's double.

Minnesota threatened to close the gap further, but stranded men on the corners in the eighth.

Game Notes

Colabello set a club record for most RBI in April with 27 ... Avila left the game in the fifth with a left shin contusion. He was replaced at catcher by Bryan Holaday ... The Tigers were 11-8 against the Twins last season.