The Detroit Tigers took on the Atlanta Braves at Joker Marchant Stadium in Lakeland, Florida. The bullpen struggled like it did during the 2014 season and Detroit lost to Atlanta, 4-2.
Alfredo Simon started his fifth game this spring and threw 6.1 innings for Detroit. The new Tiger allowed just one run, five hits and three walks. Simon struck out just two, but it was his best start all spring. He threw 81 pitches in the contest.
Yoenis Cespedes hit his fifth long shot of the spring. It went over the right field fence for an opposite-field homer. Cespedes ended with two hits on the afternoon.
Ian Kinsler, who is hitting .419 this spring, singled to extend his hitting streak to nine straight games. Kinsler's hit came early and it scored Anthony Gose. The center fielder used his speed to steal second base and get into scoring position. Gose's stolen base seemed like it went unnoticed, but it made a difference in the score line.
Joba Chamberlain was bent over backwards as he allowed two runs on four hits and a walk in the eighth inning alone. He only made two outs, then was dragged out. Joe Nathan gave up one hit in a scoreless inning.
The Tigers (10-17) take on the Pittsburgh Pirates (14-10) in Lakeland, Florida on Tuesday at 1:05 PM EST. Detroit will send Opening Day starting pitcher David Price (0-1, 4.26 ERA) to the mound. Pittsburgh answers the call by sending Vance Worley (0-1, 5.29 ERA) to the hill.