The Atlanta Braves and the Detroit Tigers meet on Friday at 7:10 p.m. ET as these two powerhouses from opposing leagues square off. Check out the live stream link provided as MLB.TV will be showing the action. Here are the matchups.
This one will be a pitchers duel. It's a big ballpark, therefore the power of Justin Upton, Evan Gattis, Prince Fielder and Miguel Cabrera should be controlled. Even though the Braves are headed to an A.L. ballpark, they have they advantage as the DH spot will open up a spot for Chris Johnson. With Anibal Sanchez on the mound, Braves' manager was bound to give Johnson the night off, making Juan Francisco his starting third baseman.
Sanchez, however, might be able to neutralize the Braves if he pitches like the Anibal of 2013 and not the Anibal of past years. So far this season, Sanchez is 2-1 with a 1.75 ERA. In 25.2 innings pitched, Sanchez has allowed one five earned runs. The only problem is, if he has a relapse, he might get hit hard against the Braves. He is 4-11 in his career against Atlanta with a 5.42 ERA.
He will be opposed by an impressive Paul Maholm. So far in 2013, the Braves' lefty is 3-1 and was touched up by the first time this season by the Pittsburgh Pirates as he allowed three earned runs in six innings pitched. Those are the only runs he's surrended while pitching 26.1 innings.
The Braves and Tigers have struggled as of late as both teams are 5-5 and losers of their last game played.
Click here for the MLB.TV live stream as the Braves and Tigers fast off. Could we be seeing a possible World Series matchup?
