Recently returned from spring training in Florida, the Tigers and a tanned Zack Durr were more jet set on winning than jet lagged.

The Tiger pitcher struck out seven Fort Lee Bridgemen and later helped his own cause at the plate by plating the first runs of the game with two RBIs.

Later in the game, it was a fantastic fifth inning for Tenafly as they hung a five spot on the scoreboard in a lopsided 10-1 victory.

"Today’s win was nothing more than me trying to throw strikes and my teammates behind me making the plays," said Durr. "It just sparked for us at the plate in the third inning."

After two scoreless frames, second baseman Zack Kraushar led off with an infield single to the left side and shortstop Chris Brown drew a base on balls to put the pressure on Bridgeman pitcher Roddy Ackerman.

With one out Durr rocketed a 2-0 fastball to deep center snapping the scoreless game and driving home two Tigers. The other run in the inning was scored when third baseman Jon Sobo hit a playable bouncing ball to Fort Lee shortstop Danny Alvarez, but after a bad hop and bobble, all runners were safe.

"It was kind of a relief when we scored some runs because I was able to use more pitches like my breaking ball," said Durr. "Also I knew my teammates would be there to back me up."

The Bridgemen staged a bit of a comeback, answering in the top of the fourth inning with right fielder Francis McKenna knocking in a run.

But that was the only run the Tigers would allow thanks to stellar fielding contributions by Brown.

"We knew pitching and defense would be the key," Brown said, "but also knew we wouldn’t struggle at the plate. We’ve been practicing a lot by taking ground balls and I think we’re at the point where everyone in the infield knows each other’s capabilities."

The action didn’t pick up until the bottom of the fifth when the Bridgemen went quietly in the top half and the Tigers did anything but.

Durr began the scoring burst by reaching on an error and the next batter, catcher Ethan Rosenblum, walked. Sobo stepped up to the plate and smacked a hard hit ball to left field, driving in a run.

After designated hitter Pete LoConte was hit by a pitch, center fielder Mike Hamersma punched the ball through the left infield hole, scoring two more runs for a 6-1 lead.

"It was a full count and I knew he had to throw me something good," said Hamersma. "I was in a little bit of a slump in Florida, but I’m glad I could turn it around here."

The Tigers weren’t done as Brown, swinging at the first pitch, rifled a blast deep to center for a triple.

"I was looking to just get a line drive single, but I was able to get a hold of one," said Brown. "I wasn’t looking for two RBIs, but I’ll take it."

On the flip side Fort Lee had the runners on base, but couldn’t supply the big hit to produce any runs.

"We didn’t execute and they did," said Fort Lee coach Mike Raftery. "We left four runners on third base and a couple of those times we had less than two outs. We had errors and Tenafly capitalized on them and that’s what wins ball games."

After surrendering the run earlier, Durr shut out the Bridgemen, at times dominating and pitching out of pressure situations. The home hurler mixed pitches masterfully and painted the corners.

"Our defense played really well, but our pitching was key," said Tenafly coach Kurt Hommen. "Zach’s (Durr) pitching was better as the game went on and he threw strikes."

The Tigers added a couple runs in the bottom of the sixth off an error and a LoConte RBI.

Durr put this one in the books by striking out Bridgeman Ariel Valdeon on four pitches, ruining any Fort Lee hopes of a miracle comeback.

The Tigers dividends of spending several days in the sunshine state, working on their baseball fundamentals, competing with out-of-state teams and building team chemistry really showed during the home opener.

"Florida was a great experience and it definitely helped us get ready," said Durr. "It was a little bit of a change getting back, like getting used to the weather, but it was a team effort."

The Tigers look to remain undefeated and even though the Tigers enjoyed the victories in Florida, there’s nothing like winning a league game.

"It’s a great feeling to come back and win our first league game," said Hommen. "Our defense and pitching were there from the start. Our hitting was a little slow, but our guys focused and it came later in the game."