Tigers 6, Braves 5. [Boxscore]
Summary: Tigers win first Grapefruit league game thanks to small-ball and speed.
Pitching: It's spring training, what do you expect? None of the staff was particularly sharp, giving up at least a hit or a run. The big thing was that no-one got blown out and everyone did their job. Can't ask for much more than that.
The best of the bunch was 26-year-old lefty
Blaine Hardy, an NRI, who pitched for the Tigers last year in Erie and Toledo. He tossed 2 innings, striking out 1 while giving up an unearned run to notch the win. From his stats last year, looks like he might be a call-up at some point this season if need be, assuming he performs well at Toledo during the season.
Luis Marte notched the save, giving up 1 hit in 2/3 of inning before the game was called with 2 outs in the 9th because of rain. It's Florida, what do you expect?
Offense: The Cats came up with 8 singles and 4 walks, stranding 5 during the game... and get this, they stole 4 bases. Yes, it's spring training, but 4? When was the last time the Cats ever had that during regular season, let alone ST? Wow.
The biggest performers are listed below, in order of batting:
Perez, 1-2, 2 RBI.
R. Davis, 1-2, 2 runs scored, 2 SB.
Martinez, 2-3, 1 SB, 2 RBI. (So Ausmus has the slow guy stealing too. Is Victor the next Vince Coleman?
(Not that I'm complaining, mind...))
Fields, 1-2, 1 run scored, 1 SB.
E. Carrerra, 1-1, 1 run scored.
The donkelly and E. Suarez both had SF RBI's, but nothing else.
Defense: Errors: Perez, Murrian, Holaday, Lennerton.
Notes: Avila did not play for the 2nd straight game; wondering if he's still having back issues. Eduardo Sanchez (NRI) suffered an elbow injury, he'll be examined Thursday.
Next game: Thursday, Feb. 27th: Braves @ Tigers, 1:05 Eastern. Starter: Porcello.
Broadcast: None.