August 25, 2024; Cumberland, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves second baseman Whit Merrifield (15) holds off the Washington Nationals after catching a grounder in the second inning at Truist Park Center fielder Jacob Young (30) (not shown) struck out. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports Whit Merrifield wasn't kidding when he said he enjoyed the lead role in the lineup.
On Monday, Merrifield took the lead for the first time since joining the Atlanta Braves in late July. He responded by going 5-for-5 with a double and two runs in Atlanta's 10-6 victory over the Minnesota Twins in Minneapolis.
When the Braves take on the Twins on Tuesday in the second game of a three-game series, the veteran will be looking to stay hot — no matter where he is in the lineup.
“I love being in the lead,” Merrifield said. “This is what I've been doing most of my career – really most of my life. So I love it. There's nothing better than digging into a fresh batter box. “
The Braves are in need of a leadoff hitter after center fielder Michael Harris II was hit in the left hand by a pitch during Sunday's game against the Washington Nationals. Harris did not start Monday, but came on as a reliever in the sixth inning and went 0-for-1. He said his hand was only bruised and not broken.
“A lot better than (Sunday),” Harris said when asked about his hand. “Initially, when it happened, I had enough adrenaline to stay in there for a while. When it started, swinging up again after contact, I didn't think it was the best thing to do.”
The Twins are looking to bounce back from a two-game losing streak at home. Minnesota trailed 9-1 in the second inning on Monday before the game was delayed for about an hour and a half due to rain. The home team chipped away at their lead in the final innings, but eventually fell behind.
Twins head coach Rocco Baldelli was happy to see his team push on despite heavy rain delays and facing a big deficit, but it still didn't satisfy him.
“We don't want to score a few points and keep the game close,” Baldelli said. “We want to win the game. So it's tough. Down eight runs early on and there's a lot of baseball to play.
“I thought we had some good swings as the game went on. The guys we threw out, they pitched well … but really, we were done with the game. The game was over. We were Can start clean and fresh (Tuesday).
Minnesota will turn to right-hander Simeon Woods Richardson (5-3, 3.69 ERA), who will make his 23rd start of the season. He struck out 99 in 112 1/3 innings.
Woods-Richardson hopes to win his third straight start. In his most recent outing, he limited the San Diego Padres to one run on four hits in five innings on Wednesday. He struck out seven and walked two.
This will be the first time in Woods-Richardson's career against the Warriors.
Atlanta will welcome right-hander Spencer Schwellenbach (5-6, 3.94 ERA), who will make his 15th start. The 24-year-old rookie has 94 strikeouts in 82 1/3 innings.
Schwellenbach will be looking for back-to-back wins after Thursday's victory over the Philadelphia Phillies. He allowed two runs on three hits in 6 2/3 innings and walked one while fanning nine pitches.
Schwellenbach has yet to face Minnesota.
–Scene-level media