Tigers aim ‘to keep the city excited’

April in the D still isn’t what it used to be, but for the first time in a long time, at least the baseball team is off to a hot start.

And after the Lions electrified the city with their run to the NFC Championship game, it’s now the Tigers’ job to “keep the city excited,” outfielder Kerry Carpenter said before Comerica Park’s Opening Day on Friday.

Carpenter, a Florida native who became a regular at the major-league level last season, said he was swept up in the magic of the Lions’ playoff run and is excited to maintain the buzz into summer. So far, so good. The Tigers returned for the home opener with a 5-1 record.

“I became a big Lions fan, especially around January,” Carpenter said, referencing the starting point of the Lions’ playoff run. “They kind of led us into this year. They got the city really excited about sports again and they did such an amazing job during their season. Now it’s our job to keep the city excited.”

The Lions’ two playoff victories this year were the first in franchise history in more than 30 years. It was also the first time one of Detroit’s four major pro sports teams won a playoff round since the Tigers defeated the Oakland Athletics in the 2013 ALDS. The response to the Lions’ run demonstrated that Detroiters are no longer feeling apathy — they’re hungrier than ever.

Tigers infielder Colt Keith, whose massive extension was announced the morning of the NFC Championship between the Lions and 49ers, can’t wait to see how the energy translates into baseball season.

“Obviously, I saw that the tickets were sold out, so I’m just excited to see what’s going to happen today and see what the fans are like here,” Keith said. “I know I was here when I signed and the Lions were playing in playoffs, so I know that we’ve got some intense fans and just diehard Detroit people. I’m just excited to see it.”

The Lions love was accentuated at first pitch, when Lions right tackle Penei Sewell threw out the first pitch. When he was told that the Tigers were using the Lions’ run as inspiration, he said that’s the type of synergy Detroit needs.

“It’s honestly great to hear that, just because that’s the city kind of tuning in to what we got going on and I hope we can play off each other,” Sewell said.

Later in the evening, the Red WingS continued their playoff push at Little Caesars Arena in a tilt with the New York Rangers. With seven games remaining, the Wings are one point out of a playoff position. The Pistons — well, you know.

The Tigers and Los Angeles Angels share MLB’s longest playoff drought, at nine years.

There was a time — just before the drought — where the Tigers had a nice run as the city’s standard-setter. Detroit won four consecutive AL Central titles from 201114, including three straight ALCS appearances. In those days, the stands were packed nearly every game.

Tigers first baseman Spencer Torkelson said his old teammate and 2012 Triple Crown winner Miguel Cabrera used to share memories of the feverish excitement.

“Miggy would tell us about random Tuesday, Wednesday nights in June or whatever, against anyone, it would be pretty packed at Comerica” Torkelson said.

“That’s definitely something that all of us want to get it back to, and I think we have an opportunity with this team.”