The Tigers' first home game of 2009 began Friday afternoon during the noon to 3 p.m. holy hours when traditional Christian belief says Jesus hung on the cross.

The scheduling drew criticism from some Catholic leaders. Detroit Archbishop Allen Vigneron told WJR-AM radio host Paul W. Smith on Friday he would bless the Tigers , but noted the tricky timing of the game.

"Like most every other Christian pastor, I'm disappointed that the ballgame falls during these traditional hours of quiet, but I will offer my blessing," said Vigneron, who led Good Friday services at Detroit's Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament as the players took the field.

The Tigers routed the Rangers 15-2 in front of 44,588 fans. The Tigers are now 2-3 on the young season; the Rangers are 3-1.

Many Catholics made the trip downtown for the game anyway.

Tailgating with 'fish sausages'

Joseph Gwizdala, 84, drove two hours from Bay City with his 51-year-old son, Mark, for the game and said he probably would be in church if the Tigers were not playing.

Johnston was grilling -- "fish sausages," he said with a smile, given the church's ban on eating meat on Fridays during Lent -- a few blocks from the ballpark in the morning chill with a couple of friends.

Day off for the game

He said the Christian holiday actually might increase attendance at the game, because many workplaces take the day off.

"It's on Good Friday, people are off work anyway, so maybe people come to the game and bring some money into the city," said Johnston, of Troy.

Randy Harding, 24, had the day off from his construction job and came to Comerica for the festivities.

"You couldn't ask for a better day," the Allen Park man said.

As for the Tigers' prospects for the season, he said, "We have low expectations, so hopefully they can only go up."