A final regular-season series against the Braves couldn’t have been any more fortunate for the playoffs-seeking Detroit Tigers.
The Tigers are only 1 ½ games behind for a wildcard slot in the American League, basically putting them in a must-win situation in every meeting of this crucial three-game set at Turner Field. But they’ll also need a bit of help to make the postseason, particularly from the Yankees, who’ll battle with the Orioles at home to close out the year.
Getting the nod for Detroit in tonight’s opener is Daniel Norris (3-2, 3.59 ERA). He registered 5 2/3 innings of two-run ball on Saturday, but apparently got the no-decision as the Royals were able to mount a late rally to win it. On the road this season, Norris has been solid overall, going 2-0 with a 3.20 ERA across six games (five starts). Expect a bounce-back performance from the lefty.
Over on offense, the Tigers, who currently rank 10th in the majors in runs per game (4.69), third in hitting (.268) and eighth in homers (206), are hoping that J.D. Martinez continues to deliver the goods at the plate. He enters this game riding on a five-game hitting streak, a stretch in which the right-fielder is batting .411 (7-of-17) with a pair of doubles and one homer.
Detroit is 6-4 SU in its last 10 road games.
Betting on the Atlanta Braves
The Atlanta Braves already kissed its postseason hopes goodbye several weeks ago, but that hasn’t stopped from competing at a high level. They’ve won 10 of their previous 11 games, including a pair of three-game sweeps versus the Mets and Phillies. And now the question for the Braves is: can they continue their success tonight against the visiting Tigers?
The answer to that greatly depends on how Matt Wisler (7-12, 4.86 ERA) performs on the mound. He’s allowed no more than two runs in four of his previous five starts. That stretch includes a 10-strikeout effort in an eventual 8-1 win versus the Padres last month. Wisler’s recent play is an indication of a considerable increase in his confidence.
Meanwhile, the Braves’ supposedly stagnant offense has come to life as of late, averaging around five runs per contest throughout the second half of September. A big reason for this is Freddie Freeman, who boasts a blazing triple-slash line of .417/.515/.738 this month. He’ll also be putting on the line his majors-best 31-game hitting streak later.
