Detroit Tigers rally in final two innings to avoid sweep by Braves
Detroit Tigers score: Framber Valdez allowed one run apiece in the 2nd and 3rd innings, but he shut down the Atlanta Braves in his final 3 frames.
ATLANTA – Framber Valdez finished better than he started. It made a big difference. The Detroit Tigers avoided a sweep with a 5-2 win over the Atlanta Braves on Thursday, April 30, in the finale of the three-game series at Truist Park.
For the comeback, the Tigers scored two runs in the eighth inning to take the lead, then two runs in the ninth to provide a cushion. A sacrifice fly from Gleyber Torres provided the game-winning run in the eighth. WELCOME TO DETROIT: Tigers hire Kyle Hendricks as special assistant in front office Valdez sent down the final 10 batters he faced.
The 32-year-old allowed two runs on six hits and no walks with one hit-by-pitch and eight strikeouts across six innings, throwing 99 pitches. Although he gave up one run apiece in the second and third innings, he cruised through his final three innings. Matt Vierling led the Tigers' offense, finishing 3-for-5 with two RBIs.
Other key contributors were Torres with three hits and Kevin McGonigle (who saw a game-high 31 pitches in five plate appearances) with three walks. The Tigers (16-16) return home after losing four of six games on their road trip, including two of three to the Braves (22-10). Next up, the Tigers clash with the Texas Rangers in a three-game series at Comerica Park, beginning Friday (6:40 p.