LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — Dan Uggla had two hits including a two-out RBI single and Ernesto Mejia had a pair of doubles for the Braves in Wednesday's 6-5 loss to the Tigers.
The Braves led 5-4 before the Tigers scored two in the ninth inning on three hits and a walk against Triple-A closer Shae Simmons.
The game was called due to rain with two out in the bottom of the ninth. A regular-season game in the same scenario would’ve been delayed or suspended and completed later.
“It was a little sloppy out there, both ways,” Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez said, referring to three errors committed the Braves and four by the Tigers. “It’s the first game of spring training. You forget sometimes it’s still February. What were there, seven errors? And I don’t know how many bases on balls. It’s the first time off (the mound) for some of these pitchers. We’ll get them back on track.”
“No matter what time of the year or what level you’re playing at, when you walk guys you’re going to have trouble getting out of innings.”
Etc. Kris Medlen starts for the Braves Thursday against Tigers right-hander Rick Porcello in Lakeland, Fla. The Braves don't plan to take any of their starting infielders or Gattis. Backup catcher Gerald Laird is making the trip and will start against his old Tigers team, and Braves second-base prospect Tommy La Stella should get playing time….
The Braves had planned to play their starting outfielders – the Upton brothers and Jason Heyward – but with Justin resting Schafer is likely to start again.
