KISSIMMEE, Fla. (AP) — Drew Smyly extended his scoreless streak to nine innings, strengthening his bid for the final spot in Detroit’s rotation, and the Tigers beat the Atlanta Braves 9-2 on Thursday night.
Smyly whiffed four in four innings, striking out the side in the second. The 23-year-old lefty started 18 games for Detroit last year and pitched in four postseason games.
Braves starter Julio Teheran allowed one run in four solid innings, lowering his ERA to 2.00 in his longest outing of the spring. Teheran made one start for Atlanta last season and is a top contender for this year’s rotation.
Danny Worth doubled twice and went 3 for 3 with two RBIs for the Tigers, raising his batting average to .389.
Juan Francisco homered for the Braves off Brayan Villarreal.
