Prince Fielder's debut a smash, but Tigers waste his hit

Not an ideal trend for the Tigers.

So far in 2012, they’re 2-for-2 in leadoff singles.

Problem is, they’re also 2-for-2 in double plays immediately following.

Prince Fielder had his first at-bat in a Tigers uniform, leading off the bottom of the second inning. After working the count to 3-2, he took an eye-high fastball from Jon Lestr and smashed it into right-center field for a single. Like Austin Jackson, he’s batting 1.000.

That’s always fun to say.

The next hitter, Delmon Young, didn’t get the job done. He rolled one over to shortstop, for an easy-as-can-be 6-4-3 double play.

Ryan Raburn then struck out to end the inning. He’s batting .000 so far, a typical April for him.

Due up for Red Sox in top of third: Saltalamacchia, Aviles, Ellsbury.

Tony Paul is The Detroit News' national baseball writer. Check out his columns every Monday and Thursday throughout the season.

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