Whit Merrifield 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 mentioned. “One thing I’ve achieved most of my profession — most of my life, actually. So I prefer it. Nothing like digging in a recent batter’s field.”
The Braves wanted a leadoff hitter after middle fielder Michael Harris II was hit by a pitch on his left hand Sunday in opposition to the Washington Nationals. Harris didn’t begin Monday however entered as a sixth-inning sub and went 0-for-1. He mentioned his hand was solely bruised, not damaged.
“Rather a lot higher than (Sunday),” Harris mentioned when requested about his hand. “Initially when it occurred, I had sufficient adrenaline going to remain in for a short time. Because it sort of set off, going again as much as swing once more after contact, I do not suppose it was finest to try this.”
The Twins want to bounce again from two straight losses at dwelling. 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 brief.
Twins supervisor Rocco Baldelli was joyful that his staff continued to offer effort after the rain delay and dealing with a giant deficit, but it surely nonetheless didn’t make him really feel happy.
“We’re not seeking to rating a couple of runs and get the sport shut,” Baldelli mentioned. “We’re seeking to win the sport. So it is arduous. You are beginning with an eight-run deficit with loads of baseball nonetheless to play.
“I assumed we had some good swings as the sport went on. The fellows that we threw on the market, they pitched nicely. … However actually, we’re by means of the sport. The sport is over. And we get to start out clear and recent (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 seeking 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 shall be Woods Richardson’s first profession begin in opposition to 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 in opposition to 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.
–Area Degree Media
