Tigers at Braves
Niko Goodrum grew up in the Atlanta suburbs and he shined in his first major league game in his hometown Friday, posting a career-high five-hit performance as the Detroit Tigers won their third straight entering Saturday’s contest at the Braves. The 27-year-old Goodrum recorded two homers, a double, four runs scored and three RBIs in an 8-2 series-opening victory, giving him hits in 10 of his last 11 games and homers in two of his past three contests.
The Tigers scored more than five runs for just the second time in their past 21 games as infielder Brandon Dixon extended his hitting streak to eight contests by going 2-for-5, raising his average in that span to .385 with five extra-base hits during that stretch, as Detroit won for just the fourth time in its past 16 games. Atlanta continues to stumble at home, falling to 0-3 on its current five-game homestand and losing at home for the fourth consecutive time to drop below .500 at 14-15. Right fielder Nick Markakis continues to struggle, batting just .195 in his past 22 games since May 7 as the Braves fell to 12-11 in their past 23 contests. Shortstop Dansby Swanson, whose 10-game hitting streak ended Wednesday, finished with a hit and an RBI in Friday’s loss.
TV: 4:10 p.m. ET, FS Detroit, FS South (Atlanta)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Tigers LH Daniel Norris (2-3, 4.18 ERA) vs. Braves RH Mike Soroka (5-1, 1.07)
Norris has become a stabilizing force since joining Detroit’s rotation in mid-April, giving up three earned runs or fewer six times in eight starts. The 26-year-old allowed two earned runs (four total) on six hits over 5 2/3 innings in a 5-3 loss Monday at Baltimore, five days after tossing six innings of two-run ball with five strikeouts in a no-decision against Miami. Norris, who has a 1.34 WHIP and 4.15 ERA as a starter, is 1-1 in two career starts against Atlanta with a 4.82 ERA.
All Soroka did in May was further strengthen his case for the National League All-Star team, going 3-0 with a 0.79 ERA, a 0.76 WHIP and 25 strikeouts in 34 innings across five starts. The 21-year-old still has not allowed more than one earned run in any of his eight starts, giving up one earned run (two total) on five hits with five strikeouts over six innings on May 25 at St. Louis, getting a no-decision as the Braves bullpen lost the lead. Soroka is limiting right-handed hitters to a .144 average and .405 OPS.
WALK-OFFS
1. Detroit 1B Miguel Cabrera went 0-for-3 on Friday before leaving in the sixth inning with left knee soreness.
2. After Friday’s loss, the Braves are 17-10 in weekend series games this season.
3. Tigers CF JaCoby Jones extended his hitting streak to seven games Friday, and is hitting .423 with three doubles, a triple and seven RBIs in that span.