Whit Merrifield just isn’t joking when he says he enjoys the leadoff spot within the lineup.
On Monday, Merrifield hit leadoff for the primary time since becoming a member of the Atlanta Braves in late July. He responded by going 5-for-5 with a double and two runs in Atlanta’s 10-6 win over the Minnesota Twins in Minneapolis.
The veteran will look to remain sizzling — irrespective of the place he hits within the lineup — when the Braves face the Twins within the second installment of a three-game collection on Tuesday.
“I like main off,” Merrifield stated. “One thing I’ve completed most of my profession — most of my life, actually. So I prefer it. Nothing like digging in a contemporary batter’s field.”
The Braves wanted a leadoff hitter after heart fielder Michael Harris II was hit by a pitch on his left hand Sunday towards the Washington Nationals. Harris didn’t begin Monday however entered as a sixth-inning sub and went 0-for-1. He stated his hand was solely bruised, not damaged.
“Lots higher than (Sunday),” Harris stated when requested about his hand. “Initially when it occurred, I had sufficient adrenaline going to remain in for a short while. Because it form of set off, going again as much as swing once more after contact, I do not assume it was greatest to try this.”
The Twins wish to bounce again from two straight losses at house. Minnesota fell behind 9-1 within the second inning Monday earlier than the sport was delayed by about an hour and a half by rain. The hosts chipped away on the lead within the late innings however fell quick.
Twins supervisor Rocco Baldelli was glad that his group continued to present effort after the rain delay and going through an enormous deficit, nevertheless it nonetheless didn’t make him really feel happy.
“We’re not trying to rating a couple of runs and get the sport shut,” Baldelli stated. “We’re trying to win the sport. So it is laborious. You are beginning with an eight-run deficit with numerous baseball nonetheless to play.
“I believed we had some good swings as the sport went on. The blokes that we threw on the market, they pitched effectively. … However actually, we’re by the sport. The sport is over. And we get to start out clear and contemporary (Tuesday).”
Minnesota will flip to right-hander Simeon Woods Richardson (5-3, 3.69 ERA), who is ready to make his twenty third begin of the season. He has 99 strikeouts in 112 1/3 innings.
Woods Richardson is trying to win his third begin in a row. In his newest outing, he restricted the San Diego Padres to 1 run on 4 hits in 5 innings on Wednesday. He struck out seven and walked two.
This might be Woods Richardson’s first profession begin towards the Braves.
Atlanta will counter with right-hander Spencer Schwellenbach (5-6, 3.94 ERA), who will make his fifteenth begin. The 24-year-old rookie has 94 strikeouts in 82 1/3 innings.
Schwellenbach will go for back-to-back victories after incomes a win towards the Philadelphia Phillies on Thursday. He allowed two runs on three hits in 6 2/3 innings, and he walked one whereas fanning 9.
Schwellenbach has but to face Minnesota.
–Subject Degree Media
