One of the more intriguing games for the Atlanta Braves this spring took place Wednesday afternoon, a game in which former top pitching prospect Michael Soroka made his return to in-game action. The Braves would go on to defeat the Tigers by a final score of 5-3 in the contest.
Soroka makes spring debut in Atlanta Braves 5-3 win over Tigers
A game in which many of the Braves' regulars did not play, Soroka would draw the start for Atlanta on the mound, but would throw only 36 total pitches across 1.1 IP. Across that span, Soroka would allow one earned run on three hits with a walk and a strikeout.
Relieving Soroka would be right-hander Michael Tonkin, who would eventually allow one unearned run across his 1.1 IP. Dylan Lee would also continue his stellar spring after Tonkin with a near perfect 1.1 IP, allowing only one hit with two strikeouts.
Offensively, the Braves would receive a big day from leadoff hitter Orlando Arcia, who got Atlanta on the board in the fourth inning with an RBI single to score Joshua Fuentes. Still down 3-1 at the time, Arcia would later hit a three-run HR to give the Braves the lead in the top of the sixth inning, with Sam Hilliard also adding an RBI double that inning to put Atlanta up, 5-3.
Across the remainder of the game, the Braves offense would not score again, while Atlanta's pitching staff would impress with scoreless outings each from Ty Tice, Kyle Swarmer, Trey Riley, and Alec Barger, with the ballgame eventually ending with the 5-3 final.
Noteworthy Stats:
- SS Orlando Arcia - 2/3, HR, 4 RBI, R, BB
- OF Sam Hilliard - 3/3, RBI, 2B, BB
- RHP Michael Soroka - 1.1 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
- LHP Dylan Lee - 1.1 IP, 1 H, 2 K
What's Next?
The Atlanta Braves will face the New York Mets tomorrow afternoon from CoolToday Park in North Port, FL, with first pitch set for 1:05 PM ET. Probable starters are RHP Mike Vasil for New York, while Atlanta's starter is TBD.