Detroit 12, Florida Southern 2: Why the Tigers won

At Joker Marchant Stadium, Lakeland, Fla.

WHAT HAPPENED: The Detroit Tigers beat Florida Southern, 12-2, in their annual exhibition opener. … They scored six runs in the fourth inning to pull ahead for good. Manny Pina hit a two-RBI double and James McCann a RBI double in the fourth. … Jose Iglesias started his first game in a year. … Ian Kinsler played two innings in the field.

ON THE MOUND: Tim Melville pitched two scoreless innings, striking out three. Kyle Ryan pitched two innings and allowed two runs on three hits. He struck out one and walked one. Buck Farmer struck out two in the sixth inning.

• Box score here

AT THE PLATE: Iglesias went 0-for-1, grounding out to first base. McCann went 1-for-2, outfielder Wynton Bernard went 2-for-2 with a double and two RBIs and Hernan Perez drove in a run on a double.

IN THE FIELD: Iglesias made one play, catching a pop-up to end the first inning. Andrew Romine saw an inning of action at first base.

BACK ON THE BOARD: Florida Southern's two runs in the top of the fourth inning were the team's first against the Tigers since 2012. Jhalan Jackson doubled off the wall in right centerfield to open the scoring.

OVERHEARD: "It was a great feeling to be back out there and just being in the uniform is amazing," Iglesias said.

THREE STARS: 1. Bernard, 2. Melville, 3. Xavier Avery (2-for-2, two runs).

UP NEXT: Grapefruit League opener, Tuesday vs. Baltimore.

Contact Anthony Fenech: afenech@freepress.com . Follow him on Twitter @anthonyfenech .