Freddie Freeman had three hits in the Braves big win over Miami. (Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports)
MIAMI — Atlanta Braves left-hander Alex Wood said his team’s lengthy top of the first inning threw him off a bit when it was his turn to take the mound.
However, since the Braves scored seven runs in their half of the inning, Wood said he really didn’t mind at all.
“That wasn’t what I was expecting — 40 or 45 minutes before I threw my first pitch,” Wood said after Atlanta cruised past the Miami Marlins 12-2 Tuesday night at Marlins Park. “I got an AB (at-bat) before I threw my first pitch.
“But anytime they want to do that, I’m definitely all right with it.”
First baseman Freddie Freeman and shortstop Andrelton Simmons each went 3-for-5 with two RBIs to lead Atlanta. Third baseman Chris Johnson also added two hits and two RBIs.
Right-handed starter Mat Latos, who made his Marlins debut, lasted just two-thirds of an inning, allowing six hits, two walks, one wild pitch and seven runs, all earned.
Orioles 6, Rays 5
ST. PETERSBURG — Steve Pearce went 2-for-4 with a home run to lift Baltimore past Tampa Bay at Tropicana Field.
Pearce has five home runs in his last 11 games against the Rays at Tropicana Field.
Orioles reliever Kevin Gausman gave up two runs in 2 1/3 innings to earn the win. Zach Britton pitched a perfect ninth for the save.
Rays starter Nathan Karns gave up six runs, five hits and four walks in 5 2/3 innings.
Rockies 5, Brewers 2
MILWAUKEE — Right-hander Jordan Lyles worked six innings of two-run ball, and Colorado hit six doubles for the second consecutive day en route to the victory over Milwaukee at Miller Park.
Lyles (1-0) held the Brewers to five hits with a walk while striking out two. Three Colorado relievers threw one scoreless inning apiece, with LaTroy Hawkins earning his first save.
The Rockies’ offense picked up where they left off Monday, belting out 12 hits. Catcher Nick Hundley accounted for three hits, while third baseman Nolan Arenado, second baseman DJ LeMahieu and shortstop Troy Tulowitzki finished with two apiece.
Cardinals-Cubs, postponed
CHICAGO — The threat of rain and sub-freezing wind chills forced postponement of Tuesday’s game at Wrigley Field.
The extra day between games might have been a blessing to help the Cubs resolve facilities issues that arose during Sunday’s Opening Night.
Fan discomfort and limited restroom facilities resulting from Wrigley Field construction were exacerbated by breakdowns in two other restrooms during the game that caused extremely long lines and waits of up to 45 minutes. Some fans ended up using beer cups to relieve themselves.
A makeup date for Tuesday’s postponement was not announced.
