Norwich — Here's a big reason to head to Dodd Stadium this summer to check out the Connecticut Tigers:

Matt Manning, a 6-foot-6, 205-pound right-handed pitcher.

Judging from his sparkling performance on opening night, Manning, Detroit's top-rated prospect, is worth the trip and price of admission.

Manning, a strike-throwing machine, dazzled the crowd of 2,342 in his 4.1 scoreless innings while earning a no-decision Tuesday in a 9-0 win over Tri-City in New York-Penn League action. He started out by striking out eight of the first nine batters and had nine overall. He allowed three hits and walked just one, receiving a nice ovation when leaving the game with a 4-0 lead.

"It was a really fun night," Manning said. "It was good to set the tone for the season."

Opening night was a rousing success overall. Sam Machonis was the one of the hitting stars, finishing with two hits and three RBI. Five pitchers combined on a three-hitter with Daniel Gonzalez picking up the win. The Tigers also played solid defense, not committing an error.

Bad weather on Monday forced the season opener to be moved to Tuesday. It was worth the wait.

"It was exciting for the young guys to be a part of something like this," manager Gerald Laird said. "The weather was great. We had to wait one extra day, but they brought energy tonight and they were excited. These kids did a heck of a job."

So far, it appears the Tigers made a wise choice by drafting Manning ninth overall in the first round of the 2016 Major League draft. A two-sport standout, he could have gone to Loyola Marymount on a basketball-baseball scholarship but opted to begin his professional career.

They've been careful with their prized prospect.

Last season, Manning, a 19-year-old from Elk Grove, Calif., pitched just 29.1 innings for the Gulf Coast League Tigers in Class A. But he was impressive, striking out 46 and walking seven while posting an 0-2 record with a 3.99 earned run average. He allowed 27 hits.

The Tigers are giving Manning time to develop. He was in extended spring training in Lakeland, Fla., before coming to Norwich. He polished his fastball command, sharpened his curve ball and worked on his changeup.

All three pitches were on display on Tuesday.

"Everything I threw today I had confidence in," Manning said.

Overall, Manning threw 73 pitches, including 53 for strikes. His fast ball hovered mostly in the low 90s and reached 96.

"His fastball had really good life and he was working ahead," Laird said. "They swung at some pitches out of the zone but that tends to happen when you're throwing strikes. He was aggressive in the zone and threw the ball really well."

The Tigers had a good night offensively.

Randel Alcantara blasted the first home run of the season, belting a solo shot over the right field fence with two outs in the first inning. The Tigers added to the lead with a run in the second when Machonis doubled home Ariel Serrano with two outs.

Machonis came through in the clutch again in the fourth, delivering a two-out, two-run single for a 4-0 lead. Hector Martinez's leadoff home run highlighted a five-run, seventh-inning outburst. Alexis Garcia added a two-run single.

"A couple of those guys tonight made the park look small," Laird said. "These guys have got some power. It was nice to see them come out and hit some balls hard."

g.keefe@theday.com