Hale gives Braves pitching hope, allows a run in 4 innings of 6-1 win over Rays

Atlanta Braves shortstop Andrelton Simmons, top, reacts as Tampa Bay Rays' Cole Figueroa slides into second base during the fifth inning of a spring exhibition baseball game in Kissimmee, Fla., Friday, March 14, 2014. Figueroa was out at second after trying to stretch a single into a double. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio) (The Associated Press)

Atlanta Braves starting pitcher David Hale throws a warmup pitch before the first inning of a spring exhibition baseball game against the Tampa Bay Rays in Kissimmee, Fla., Friday, March 14, 2014. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio) (The Associated Press)

KISSIMMEE, Fla. – David Hale provided a bright spot for the Atlanta Braves' beleaguered rotation, allowing one run in four innings while striking out three to lead the Braves past the Tampa Bay Rays, 6-1, on Friday.

With Braves starters Brandon Beachy and Kris Medlen possibly facing Tommy John surgery and Mike Minor sidelined and possibly out for opening day, Hale pithed impressively. He was 1-0 with a 0.82 ERA in two starts for Atlanta last season.

Chris Archer went 4 2-3 innings in his longest stint of the spring for Tampa Bay, allowing a run while striking out six and lowering his spring ERA to 0.90.

Joey Terdoslavich and Ernesto Mejia homered for Atlanta.