Sunday, April 28, 2013

Game 24 Preview: Atlanta Braves (15-8) at Detroit Tigers (12-10)

First Pitch: 8:08 pm ET on ESPN

Pitching Probables: 
Mike Minor (ATL) 3-1 1.80 ERA
Doug Fister (DET) 3-0 2.00 ERA

Braves Starting Lineup (career vs. Fister):
Jordan Schafer - CF (N/A)
Tyler Pastornicky - 2B (N/A)
Justin Upton - LF (N/A)
Freddie Freeman - 1B (N/A)
Chris Johnson - 3B (N/A)
Evan Gattis - C (N/A)
Dan Uggla - DH (N/A)
Reed Johnson - RF (N/A)
Andrelton Simmons - SS (N/A)

Tigers Starting Lineup (career vs. Minor):
Austin Jackson - CF (N/A)
Torii Hunter - RF (N/A)
Miguel Cabrera - 3B (N/A)
Prince Fielder - 1B (3-3, 3 RBI)
Victor Martinez - DH (N/A)
Jhonny Peralta - SS (N/A)
Matt Tuiasosopo - LF (N/A)
Brayan Pena - C (N/A)
Omar Infante - 2B (4-12, 2B, 2 K)

Preview: 
Braves LHP Mike Minor and Tigers RHP Doug Fister square off in the final game of a three game series at Comerica Park tonight. Braves look to salvage the final game of the series before heading home. Mike Minor has been one of the league's top starters in the month of April going 3-1 with a 1.80 ERA in four starts. He allowed three runs on five hits, walked two, and struck five as the Braves won the game, 4-3 over the Rockies. 
Doug Fister has been just as impressive as Minor, going 3-0 with a 2.00 ERA in four starts. In his last start against the Angels, Fister allowed three unearned runs on five hits, walked two, and struck out five in seven innings as he took the no decision. Tigers lost 4-3 and were swept by the Angels. 

Braves conclude stretch of 16 of 18 games on the road:
Tonight's game ends a 10-game road trip and a stretch of 16 of 18 games on the road for the Braves.  During the current road trip, Braves have gone 3-6 and it seems as if the absurd amount of road games this month is wearing them down. Tigers have taken full advantage of that, outscoring the Braves 17-4 in the first two games of the series. Braves head home at the conclusion of tonight's game for a 7 game home stand against the Nationals and the Mets.

Justin Upton approaching all-time HR mark for April:
Justin Upton blasted his 12th HR of the season in yesterday's game, drawing him 2 home runs shy of tying the all-time record for the most home runs in April. which is held by Alex Rodriguez (2007) and Albert Pujols (2006). Upton has three more games this month in which to tie or break the record.

Side note: 
Braves are scuffling a bit, losing seven of their last ten ballgames after beginning the season 12-1.
Craig Kimbrel is just three saves shy of 100 for his career.
BJ Upton is out of the lineup tonight. He is 0-for-5 in his career vs. Fister.
Yesterday's 7-4 loss to the Tigers was the first time this season the Braves lost a game in which it homered.

No comments:

Post a Comment