DETROIT -- With a six-run lead entering the ninth inning, it looked like the Tigers would cruise to their fourth straight win and continue their undefeated start, but the bullpen unraveled in the ninth inning and nearly cost them.
The Tigers allowed five runs in the ninth, but still held on for a 7-6 win to move to 4-0.
In his first start of the season, Rick Porcello was dynamic, allowing three hits and one run over 6 2/3 innings of a 94-pitch outing. It didn't look like it would be a great day for the righty early on, though, as four of the first six batters reached base.
 
Tigers hold on for 7-6 win over Orioles
 
For the second straight day, the Orioles scored in the opening frame. David Lough led off with a walk and promptly stole second. Two batters later, Chris Davis drove Lough in on a single, but was thrown out by Rajai Davis trying to stretch his hit into a double.
Porcello found himself in trouble again in the second inning, allowing two two-strike singles to start. But a double play and flyout to right got him out of the jam. From then on, Porcello was in a groove. Only one of the final 17 batters he faced reached base, and the final hit he allowed was in the second inning.
The Tigers' bats took over in the third. Three singles loaded the bases for Torii Hunter, who drove them all in with a double.
Hunter struck again in the fifth with a two-run homer, his second in as many games. After starting the season 0-for-9, Hunter has reached safely in seven of his past nine plate appearances -- including two home runs and a double.
Don Kelly extended the lead with an RBI triple in the sixth, and later scored on a sacrifice fly by Davis to make it 7-1.
The Tigers will look to continue their perfect start in the series finale with the O's on Sunday afternoon.
Chris Vannini / Special to MLB.com
 

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