LAKELAND, Fla. (AP) — Justin Verlander extended his scoreless string to nine innings as the Detroit Tigers downed the Atlanta Braves 10-6.
Verlander, a former Cy Young winner and Most Valuable Player, suffered through arm troubles last spring and won only five games in 20 starts. He allowed one hit and struck out five in four innings.
New closer Francisco Rodriguez pitched a scoreless inning in his second outing of the spring.
J.D. Martinez homered for the third straight day to increase his spring total to four, and James McCann also homered for the Tigers. Ian Kinsler doubled to improve his spring average to .385.
Bud Norris started for the Braves and watched his spring ERA balloon to 7.88 after allowing six earned runs in three innings. Ender Inciarte had two RBIs for Atlanta.
