AP Sports Preview: Braves Host Tigers in Thursday Matinee

ATLANTA (Interstat) — The Atlanta Braves, owners of the best record in the National League, look to extend their winning streak against the Detroit Tigers on Thursday when the teams meet in a day game at Truist Park.

First pitch is scheduled for 4:10 p.m. EDT. The forecast calls for 77 degrees and rain.

Atlanta (22-9) has won the first two games of this three-game series, taking a 4-3 decision Wednesday and a 5-2 victory Tuesday. The Braves have won four straight overall and nine of their last 10.

Detroit (15-16) has dropped three consecutive games.

Pitching matchup

Right-hander Bryce Elder (3-1, 3.12 ERA) is Detroit’s probable starter. Elder has not faced Atlanta this season.

Left-hander Framber Valdez (2-1, 4.15 ERA) is listed as the probable starter for the Tigers, according to the club’s pregame notes. A final determination is expected before game time.

Atlanta has not announced a probable pitcher.

Players to watch

Tigers left-hander Tarik Skubal, who started Wednesday’s game and took the loss despite allowing two earned runs over seven innings, remains a key figure in Detroit’s rotation. In his relief appearance Tuesday, Skubal gave up two runs on five hits over six innings. Over his last five starts, he has a 2-2 record with a 3.58 ERA.

For Atlanta, right-hander JR Ritchie (2-0, 2.19 ERA) has been sharp in his two starts this season. He earned the win Wednesday against the Tigers, allowing two runs on five hits over 5.1 innings with four strikeouts. In his previous start April 23 at Washington, he allowed two runs on five hits over seven innings while striking out seven.

Series history

Atlanta has taken the early lead in this three-game set. The Braves defeated Detroit 5-2 on Tuesday and 4-3 on Wednesday.

Odds and projections

Betting markets list Detroit as a -1.5 favorite. The over/under for total runs is set at 8.

Interstat’s game simulator projects a 7-4 victory for Atlanta. The ELO system gives the Braves a 58.3% probability of winning.

Up next

Detroit: Opens a 10-game homestand Friday against Texas.

Atlanta: Begins a six-game road trip Friday at Colorado.