Tigers lose to Phillies 4-1.

Justin Verlander gave up one earned run in 5 2/3 innings in his last start before opening the 2013 season Monday in Minnesota against the Twins. Cole Hamels pitched three scoreless for the Phillies. The starters did their jobs but Tiger reliever Bruce Rondon was roughed up in 2/3 of an inning in relief allowing two earned runs. His spring training ERA has risen to a lofty 5.84. Rondon was also charged with a balk. All of this Rondon talk is giving Detroit skipper Jim Leyland gray hair. The Phillies scored a run in the first and fourth inning, and two runs in the seventh. Detroit scored their only run on a sacrifice fly by Austin Jackson bringing in Alex Avila. Detroit bats struggled all day against very efficient Phillies pitching, coupled with some shoddy relief giving Philadelphia a solid victory against the defending American League champions.