ATLANTA — Rick Porcello, making a bid to be more than a fill-in starter for Detroit, pitched two scoreless innings and the Tigers beat the Atlanta Braves 8-4 on Saturday in each team's final exhibition game.
The 20-year-old Porcello, making the jump from Class A, gave up only one hit. He has been named Detroit's No. 4 starter with Jeremy Bonderman opening the season on the 15-day disabled list.
Armando Galarraga followed Porcello and gave up two runs, one earned, in 5 2-3 innings.
Carlos Guillen hit a two-run homer for Detroit.
Atlanta's Kenshin Kawakami walked seven batters and gave up four runs in 2 2-3 innings. He issued bases-loaded walks in the second and third.
Atlanta's Jeff Francoeur had two hits, including a homer.
More to come