Tigers turn triple play; Braves' Gant goes 4 hitless innings
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}LAKELAND, Fla. (AP) The Detroit Tigers pulled off a triple play and Atlanta's John Gant threw four hitless innings as the split-squad Braves beat the Tigers 3-1 on Friday in a game called after four innings because of rain.
Atlanta's Willians Astudo lined a shot to Tigers shortstop Jose Iglesias, who flipped the ball to second baseman Ian Kinsler, who then fired to first baseman Miguel Cabrera to complete the triple play.
Gant, a contender for the spot at the end of the Braves' rotation, didn't allow a hit but walked three batters.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Hector Olivera homered and had two RBI for the Braves.
Kinsler, who walked twice, scored Detroit's only run off a sacrifice fly from Cabrera.
On the triple play, Kinsler said he didn't even know how many outs were made on the play. It went by too fast, he said.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}''It was just a line drive, I touched the base and threw to first. It was the perfect storm,'' Kinsler said.
Shane Greene started for the Tigers and went all four innings, allowing three runs and two walks.
''I feel like I am getting in shape,'' Greene said. ''The slider is working. I threw some in the bullpen during the rain, so I feel comfortable.''
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BRAVES: Bud Norris will start against the New York Mets at Walt Disney World on Saturday. Norris has given up 13 earned runs in 12 2/3 innings this spring.
TIGERS: Justin Verlander will make the trip to Clearwater to face the Philadelphia Phillies on Saturday.