Detroit Tigers Beat Braves 3-0

Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

The Detroit Tigers beat the Atlanta Braves today on the back of another strong performance from starter Justin Verlander. Verlander pitched five innings, gave up five hits, no runs and a base on balls with four strike outs. Verlander ran into a little trouble, loading the bases with two outs in the fifth, but was able to pitch out of the situation after a brief conference at the mound with Alex Avila and manager Brad Ausmus.

Tigers’ offense was quiet again today, but was able to score enough runs for the win due to quality at bats, timely hits and solid base running. Ian Kinsler started off the scoring on an Ezequiel Carrera double after walking and stealing second. Carrera then scored on a Victor Martinez ground after advancing to third on a wild pitch.

Notable Performances:

• Phil Coke pitched a scoreless sixth inning, giving up a hit. Though Coke pitched without giving up a run, the Braves batters hit him hard. A strong wind blowing in from center field was possibly the only thing that saved back to back solo home runs.
• Jose Ortega was hitting 96mph on his fastball this afternoon, he gave up a hit and struck out one batter.
• Evan Reed pitched an inning and a third without giving up a hit or a walk, and he struck out a batter.
• Austin Jackson kept his hot bat(.442) with a double in the eighth inning, he scored from second on the next play, a Hernan Perez single.

The (remaining, uninjured) Tigers take on the Blue Jays tomorrow in Dunedin at Florida Auto Exchange Stadium at 1:05pm.