Results tagged ‘ Stefan Gartrell ’
Inside the Numbers
Last night in the third inning of the contest between the Rochester Red Wings and Gwinnett Braves, Stefan Gartrell connected for his second home run of the season off of Vance Worley. The homer was his 47th in a G-Braves uniform, All-Time Career leader, and it catapulted the Braves over the Red Wings 11-3 Thursday night.
The G-Braves are no stranger to the long ball, clubbing 48 dingers on the season. However, there is a huge discrepancy in homers hit off of right-handed and left-handeed pitchers. In 62 contests, the Braves have homered 44 times against right handed pitchers, while collecting four against southpaws. The power outage against lefties is overwhelming. The Braves have hit lefties well, recording a .254 (103-for-406) batting average, while hitting .264 (430-for-1631) against right-handers. There is not a big gap in the average, but a huge margin in power remains. If you balance the numbers in percentages, 10% (44-for-430) of the Braves hits against right-handers have been homers, while 3% (4-for-103) of their hits against southpaws have been dingers.
Luckily for the Braves, they faced a right-hander last night. However, tonight they will go up against Red Wings’ lefty Andrew Albers (3-2, 3.53) at 7:05 PM.
Below is the lineup that will match up against the lefty:
Cunningham 8
Pastornicky 4
Terdoslavich 9
Mejia 3
Boggs 7
Gartrell DH
Leonard 5
Yepez 2
Kazmar 6
Flande 1
Draft Day, G-Braves Draft Classed
It’s every amateur player’s dream to hear your name called on draft day. Tonight at 7: 05 ET, young baseball players from all over the country will have a new uniform to sport, as they will selected by a major league baseball team in the 2013 First Year Player Amateur Draft.
As we wait in anticipation of the MLB First Year Player Draft, we will take a look at all the Gwinnett Braves that have been drafted in the past.
First off, the Braves roster has seen 17 players called on draft day; six of those players were originally drafted by the Braves. Sean Gilmartin out of Florida State University was the highest draft choice, selected in the first round (28th overall) of the 2011 draft, while, Cory Rasmus was picked in the supplemental first round (38th overall) out of Columbus, GA in 2006. Right-Hander David Hale was a third round pick in 2009 out of Princeton University.
With the bevy of talent in the rotation, the G-Braves benefited offensively from the 2010 draft. Todd Cunningham (2nd round) out Jacksonville State University, Joe Leonard (3rd round )out of Pittsburgh University and Joey Terdoslavich (6th round) out of Long Beach State University were all a part of the 2010 class.
The rest of the non-international players were drafted by other clubs. The highest pick of the 11 remaining players was outfielder Brandon Boggs, selected in the fourth round of the 2004 draft out of Georgia Tech by the Texas Rangers. The 2004 class produced infielders Sean Kazmar (5th round by the San Diego Padres out of College of Southern Nevada) and Paul Janish (5th round by the Cincinnati Reds out of Rice University) as well.
The following two seasons would have produced two players apiece. However, in 2005, Cole McCurry was selected in the 31st round out Surry Community College (NC) by the Atlanta Braves, but elected not to sign. The other southpaw picked in 2005 was Ryan Buchter, 33rd round by the Washington Nationals out of Highland Regional Park H.S. (NJ).
In 2006, outfielder Stefan Gartrell went in the 31st round out University of San Francisco to the Chicago White Sox, while Pat Egan went in the 36th round to the Baltimore Orioles out of Quinnipiac College.
In 2008, Tyler Pastornicky heard his name called, as the Toronto Blue Jays picked him in the fifth round out of The Pendleton School (FL). Alden Carrithers was also selected in that draft, going in the 15th round to the Detroit Tigers out of UCLA.
The rest of the G-Braves did not have a partner in their draft class, as Joe Beimel (18th round by the Pittsburgh Pirates out of Duquesne University), Matt Pagnozzi (8th round by the St. Louis Cardinals out of Central Arizona College) and McCurry (43rd round by the Baltimore Orioles out of Tennessee Wesleyan College) all came out solo.
G-Braves take on Rochester tonight, Thursday, June 6 at 6:05 PM.
-JD-
2013 Spring Training – Familiar Faces, New Places
Stefan Gartrell (left) slugs home run, while J.C. Boscan (right) takes the field.
With the off-season almost in the books, a new crop of G-Braves is forming at Atlanta Braves Spring Training in Lake Buena Vista, FL. We’ve already taken a look at some of the potential returnees from last year’s club as well as some of the new faces that could impact Atlanta or Gwinnett’s roster. For this post, we’ll check in with 2012 G-Braves who are no longer with the Braves organization.
Catcher J.C. Boscan signed a free agent contract with the Chicago Cubs this off-season. The longest tenured G-Brave spent four seasons with Gwinnett. In 210 games, the right-handed hitting backstop hit .210 with eight home runs and 54 RBI. He is fifth in Gwinnett Braves history in games and fourth in at bats (689) dating back to 2009.
While Boscan spent four years with Gwinnett, shortstop Josh Wilson’s tenure was short-lived, as the slick-fielding infielder wore the G-Braves uniform for one season. Wilson signed a free agent contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks in the off-season. He spent all of 2012 with the G-Braves after spending a part of the last four seasons in the big leagues. In 122 games with Gwinnett, Wilson hit .241 with five home runs and 43 RBI.
The outfield lost three notable players in Luis Durango, Stefan Gartrell and Felix Pie.
Durango signed a free agent contract with the Kansas City Royals. He played all of 2012 with Gwinnett, finishing the season fourth on the team in RBI (45), third in batting average (.289), second in triples (5) and first in stolen bases (46). Durango’s 46 stolen bases led the International League and are second all-time in Gwinnett Braves history.
Pie was another welcomed addition to the club last season, hitting .285 with six home runs and 51 RBI. He led the squad in triples (7) and was a perfect 16-for-16 in stolen bases. Pie signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Gartrell’s tenure with the G-Braves may be the most celebrated from a hitter’s standpoint. In two seasons, the outfielder has made his stamp in the Gwinnett record books. He is second all-time in doubles (50), RBI (146) and runs (134), while coming in third in hits (217), games (238) and at bats (849). His 45 home runs top the charts. Gartrell signed with the Chicago White Sox in the off-season and receive an invitation to Spring Training as a non-roster invitee. The White Sox originally drafted Gartrell in the 31st round of the 2006 draft, but shipped him to Atlanta in a 2011 trade.
On the mound, the G-Braves saw a few hurlers leave for free agency, while two others were involved in big trades this off-season.
Buddy Carlyle moved on to Canada, signing a free agent deal with the Toronto Blue Jays. The right-handed pitcher made his mark with the G-Braves in 2009, posting a 3-1 record with a 1.76 ERA. Last season, he went 5-4 with a 3.43 ERA and 73 strikeouts in 76 innings.
Jair Jurrjens moved on and signed a contract with the Baltimore Orioles. Jurrjens made 17 career starts for the G-Braves from 2010-2012. In 17 games, he went 6-7 with a 4.93 ERA while striking 51 batters in 91.1 innings.
Jair Jurrjens went 4-6 with 4.98 ERA in 14 starts for the G-Braves in 2012.
Tommy Hanson made one rehab start for the G-Braves last season and was the opening day starter for the G-Braves’ inaugural season in 2009. The right-hander was shipped off to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in exchange for reliever Jordan Walden. Hanson was always outstanding with Gwinnett, recording a 4-3 record with a 1.39 ERA and 95 strikeouts in 71.1 innings of work.
Finally, Randall Delgado was a part of one of the blockbuster trades this off-season, as the Braves traded him and four others to the Diamondbacks in exchange for outfielder Justin Upton and infielder Chris Johnson. Delgado, rated one of the top prospects in the Braves organization, spent two stints with the G-Braves in 2011 and 2012. In 12 starts, he went 6-5 with a 4.09 ERA and 76 strikeouts in 66 innings.
The lists of other G-Braves that have found a new home are as followed:
Lyle Overbay- Boston Red Sox (Free Agent)
Rusty Ryal- Los Angeles Dodgers (Free Agent)
Miguel Batista- Colorado Rockies (Free Agent)
Erik Cordier- Pittsburgh Pirates (Free Agent)
Peter Moylan- Los Angeles Dodgers (Free Agent)
Adam Russell- Baltimore Orioles (Free Agent)
First-year Gwinnett Braves manager Randy Ready will lead the 2013 edition of the Gwinnett Braves for the first time on Thursday, April 4 as the club opens the season at Coolray Field with a 7:05 PM game against Charlotte. For tickets, merchandise and more information, visit GwinnettBraves.com.
-JD
Boston Red Sox Affiliate at Coolray Field for Final Homestand of Regular Season
Photo courtesy of Karl Moore
For the second-straight night, Syracuse needed just one pitcher to shut down the Gwinnett Braves. Right-hander Jeff Mandel threw the second-straight complete game shutout against the G-Braves in as many nights, leading the Chiefs to a 7-0 win at Coolray Field. Mandel’s six hitter, his first nine-inning effort this season, ensured a split of the four-game series.
Syracuse left-hander John Lannan threw 9.0 scoreless, three-hit innings on Saturday night, and Mandel (W, 5-5) continued the trend on Sunday, scattering six hits over 9.0 innings while striking out four. He walked none in a 102-pitch, 69-strike outing.
After escaping major damage in the second inning, Gwinnett starter Yohan Flande was not able to make it past the third. The left-hander surrendered four runs on five hits in the frame, including five-straight one-out hits. Josh Johnson and Chris Marrero reached on back-to-back singles, and Carlos Rivero singled to left-center, scoring them both. Jesus Valdez singled to score Rivero, and Sandy Leon added a double plating Valdez for a 4-0 lead.
Flande (L, 7-9) allowed four earned runs on six hits, walked three and struck out two over just 2.2 innings of work. Cole McCurry relieved Flande with two outs in the third inning and worked 3.1 scoreless innings. McCurry struck out three and walked none, departing after Stefan Gartrell singled in his pinch-hit at-bat for the pitcher in the sixth.
Ryan Buchter entered the game for the G-Braves in the seventh and allowed three more runs over 1.1 innings. Rivero singled home Johnson to raise the lead to 5-0 in the seventh, and a two-run triple by Eury Perez ensured the final score of 7-0 in the eighth. Anthony Varvaro relieved the left-hander, pitching 1.2 innings of scoreless baseball with one strikeout.
Monday, August 27th G-Braves Starting Line-up from Coolray Field:
The Gwinnett Braves (61-75) welcome the Pawtucket Red Sox (73-63) to town on Monday night as the two teams begin the final four-game series of the season at Coolray Field. First pitch scheduled for 7:05 PM. The Gwinnett starting pitcher has yet to be announced, while the PawSox will start right-hander Nelson Figueroa (10-5, 4.40). The radio broadcast will air on WDUN 550 AM / 102.9 FM in Gainesville, Georgia with Tony Schiavone calling the play-by-play. The television broadcast will air on CSS.
Pawtucket (2nd IL North) vs Gwinnett (4th IL South)
Monday night is Kids Eat Free Monday as all kids 12 and under will receive a voucher for a free hot dog, a bag of chips and a small soda. It’s also the fifth night of “Drive Me Crazy” as the G-Braves gather donations of canned foods, clothes, sports equipment, toys and more to restock local shelters and storage centers. Tickets for all Gwinnett Braves home games are on sale now at the Coolray Field Box Office. Call (678) 277-0340 or visit gwinnettbraves.com for more information.
Pawtucket Red Sox Batting Order:
1) Nate Spears, 1B
2) Ivan DeJesus, 2B
3) Jeremy Hazelbaker, DH
4) Tony Thomas, LF
5) Danny Valencia, 3B
6) Dan Butler, C
7) Jason Repko, CF
8) Jon Hee, SS
9) Che-Hsuan Lin, RF
G-Braves Batting Order:
1) Jose Constanza, LF
2) Jack Wilson, SS
3) Lyle Overbay, DH
4) Ernesto Mejia, 1B
5) Josh Kroeger, RF
6) Rusty Ryal, 3B
7) Brian Friday, 2B
8) J.C. Boscan, C
9) Luis Durango, CF
G-Braves Offense, Ryal Rolling Toward End
Photo courtesy of Kyle Hess
Four Gwinnett pitchers including starter Randall Delgado combined on a seven-hit shutout as the Braves defeated the Syracuse Chiefs, 6-0 on Friday night at Coolray Field. A season-high 9,372 fans packed the park as the G-Braves won for the second-straight night to start the final eight-game homestand.
Delgado worked 4.0 scoreless innings with four hits and three walks allowed, striking out seven in a no-decision. Dusty Hughes (W, 3-2) grabbed his third win of the season with 3.0 scoreless, two-hit innings and four strikeouts. Peter Moylan threw a scoreless eighth and Andy Russell added a scoreless non-save ninth to finish off Gwinnett’s ninth shutout win of the year.
Offensively, Rusty Ryal continued his torrid series with a 3-for-4 night, including an RBI double in the third inning. Lyle Overbay went 2-for-3 with a pair of doubles, driving in two RBIs as well.
The G-Braves started the scoring early, crossing the plate in each of the first four innings.Jose Constanza led off the first with a single and advanced to second on a passed ball before scoring on a Terry Tiffee RBI single to give Gwinnett a 1-0 lead.
Gwinnett added three more runs in their half of the second, highlighted by a Constanza two-run double that scored Ryal and Delgado. The G-Braves extended the lead to 4-0 as Overbay doubled home Constanza with two outs.
Felix Pie reached base to start the third on a fielding error charged to Chiefs’ first baseman Mark Teahen. Following a fielder’s choice off the bat of Jose Yepez, Ryal once again came through in the clutch with a run-scoring double that raised the Gwinnett lead to 5-0.
Chiefs starter Yunesky Maya (L, 11-9) lasted just 3.0 innings, surrendering five runs, four earned on eight hits. The right-hander struck out two and walked one, throwing 58 pitches.
Mitch Atkins replaced Maya in the fourth inning and allowed an RBI single to Pie scoring Overbay. After Pie’s hit made it 6-0 G-Braves, Atkins settled in for two more innings of scoreless relief. He pitched 3.0 innings in total, yielding an unearned run on three hits. Pat Lehman added 2.0 scoreless innings for Syracuse.
In addition to multi-hit efforts from Ryal and Overbay, Constanza also went 2-for-4 with two runs scored and an RBI in the leadoff spot. Constanza’s two-hit effort came a night removed from seeing his International League best 38-game on-base streak snapped by the Chiefs.
Saturday, August 25th G-Braves Starting Line-up from Coolray Field:
The Gwinnett Braves (61-73) take on the Syracuse Chiefs (63-71) in game three of the four-game series on Saturday night at Coolray Field, first pitch scheduled for 7:05 PM. The G-Braves will start right-hander Julio Teheran (7-7, 5.48) against Syracuse left-hander John Lannan (7-11, 4.89). Listen to the broadcast on WDUN 550 AM / 102.9 FM in Gainesville, Georgia. The game will also air on CSS.
Syracuse (5th IL North) vs Gwinnett (4th IL South)
Come out to Coolray Field on Saturday night and place your bid on a Gwinnett Braves game-worn jersey with the G-Braves Jersey Auction. Each jersey worn during the game will be auctioned off to benefit the Gwinnett Medical Center Foundation. It’s also the third night of “Drive Me Crazy” as the G-Braves gather donations of canned foods, clothes, sports equipment, toys and more to restock local shelters and storage centers. Tickets for all Gwinnett Braves home games are on sale now at the Coolray Field Box Office. Call (678) 277-0340 or visit gwinnettbraves.com for more information.
Syracuse Chiefs Batting Order:
1) Eury Perez, LF
2) Corey Brown, CF
3) Jim Negrych, 2B
4) Chris Marrero, 1B
5) Jesus Valdez, LF
6) Sandy Leon, C
7) Zach Walters, SS
8) Jarrett Hoffpauir, 3B
9) John Lannan, SP
G-Braves Batting Order:
1) Luis Durango, CF
2) Jack Wilson, SS
3) Lyle Overbay, 1B
4) Stefan Gartrell, RF
5) Terry Tiffee, 3B
6) Rusty Ryal, 2B
7) Brian Friday, 2B
8) J.C. Boscan, C
9) Julio Teheran, SP
Red-Hot Randall Delgado Set for Syracuse Tonight
Photo courtesy of Kyle Hess
The Gwinnett Braves rallied from a 4-0 deficit to defeat the Syracuse Chiefs, 5-4, in 10 innings on Thursday night at Coolray Field. Rusty Ryal won the game for Gwinnett with his RBI single in the 10th that scored Lyle Overbay, capping a four-hit night. With the victory, the G-Braves have now registered 60 wins in 2012, including nine in walk-off fashion and nine in extra innings.
Overbay started the 10th inning with a one-out walk, and Stefan Gartrell’s single up the middle placed runners on first and second base. Jose Yepez then notched his third hit of the game with a single to left, loading the bases with one out and thus setting the stage for Ryal’s heroics. Ryal laced a single to center sending Overbay home easily from third base.
Christian Garcia (L, 1-1) was handed the loss for the Chiefs with a run on three hits over 1.1 innings. Cole McCurry (W, 1-2) picked up with the win for Gwinnett with a scoreless 10th inning, keeping the game tied at 4-4. The G-Braves’ bullpen as a whole allowed just two hits while striking out six over the final 6.0 innings.
Gwinnett starter Sean Gilmartin got off to a rocky start, surrendering three runs in the first frame. Carlos Rivero doubled to score Jarrett Hoffpauir, and two batters later, Zach Walters narrowly missed a grand slam to left as he doubled off the wall to plate Chris Marrero and Rivero. Gilmartin struck out opposing pitcher Zach Duke to leave the bases loaded in the first inning, but yielded another run in the second on a Marrero RBI double scoring Hoffpauir.
Gilmartin lasted 4.0 innings on a limited pitch count. He allowed four runs on six hits, walked three and struck out three in a 71-pitch outing.
Duke, a 2012 Triple-A All-Star, started for Syracuse and was stingy against the G-Braves’ offense most of the night. The left-hander didn’t allow his first hit of the night until the fifth, when Yepez led off with a single. Duke eventually yielded an RBI fielder’s choice to Brian Friday in the inning, cutting the Syracuse lead to 4-1.
The G-Braves cut the deficit to one run in the seventh, as Ryal singled and Josh Wilsonwalked to set the table for Terry Tiffee. The pinch-hitter stepped to the plate for pitcher Buddy Carlyle and laced a two-run double over the head of Perez, the Syracuse left-fielder, cutting the Chiefs lead to 4-3. Duke ended the night with a strikeout of Jose Constanza, exiting with three runs on five hits over 7.0 innings.
Friday, August 24th G-Braves Starting Line-up from Coolray Field:
The Gwinnett Braves (60-73) take on the Syracuse Chiefs (63-70) in game two of the four-game series on Friday night at Coolray Field, first pitch scheduled for 7:05 PM. The G-Braves will start right-hander Randall Delgado (4-2, 5.13) against Syracuse right-hander Yunesky Maya (11-8, 3.42). Listen to the broadcast on WDUN 550 AM / 102.9 FM in Gainesville, Georgia.
Syracuse (5th IL North) vs Gwinnett (4th IL South)
Friday is the G-Braves’ Annual Mystery Ball Auction, giving fans the chance to buy autographed balls from some of their favorite players and teams from the Major and Minor Leagues. Mystery bags will be sold for $25 each, with proceeds going to the Gwinnett Braves division of the Atlanta Braves Foundation. Bags are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Following the game, stick around for WAGA Fox 5 Friday Night Fireworks, the last display of the 2012 season.
Friday is also “Paint the Park Purple” at Coolray Field. Join the G-Braves in wearing purple to support the cause of Cancer Awareness Night. It’s also the second night of “Drive Me Crazy” as the G-Braves look for donations of canned foods, clothes, sports equipment, toys and more to restock local shelters and storage centers. Tickets for all Gwinnett Braves home games are on sale now at the Coolray Field Box Office. Call (678) 277-0340 or visit gwinnettbraves.com for more information.
Syracuse Chiefs Batting Order:
1) Eury Perez, LF
2) Corey Brown, CF
3) Jim Negrych, 2B
4) Mark Teahen, 1B
5) Carlos Rivero, 3B
6) Carlos Maldonado, C
7) Zach Walters, SS
8) Brett Carroll, RF
9) Yunesky Maya, SP
G-Braves Batting Order:
1) Jose Constanza, LF
2) Jack Wilson, SS
3) Lyle Overbay, 1B
4) Terry Tiffee, 3B
5) Felix Pie, RF
6) Josh Kroeger, LF
7) Jose Yepez, C
8) Rusty Ryal, 2B
9) Randall Delgado, SP
Washington Nationals Affiliate in for Racecar Night
Photo courtesy of Kyle Hess
The Norfolk Tides concluded their two-game series sweep of Gwinnett with an 8-0 drubbing of the G-Braves on Tuesday afternoon at Coolray Field. Dana Eveland worked 7.0 scoreless, three-hit innings in the start for Norfolk, and Jamie Hoffmann’s three-run homer in the second provided all the offense he’d need.
Eveland (W, 5-4) scattered three hits – all singles – over his seven frames, walked none and struck out five in an 89-pitch outing. Starter turned reliever Brian Matusz worked a scoreless eighth inning and Pat Egan added a scoreless ninth inning.
Norfolk started the scoring with three runs in the second inning off Gwinnett starterYohan Flande. Brandon Waring and Steve Tolleson reached on one-out singles and Hoffmann followed with a three-run home run to left. Hoffmann’s ninth blast of the year made it 3-0, Tides.
The Tides added two more runs in their half of the fourth. Joe Mahoney led off with a single and both Waring and Hoffmann reached on walks. L.J. Hoes boosted the lead to 5-0 with a single scoring Mahoney and Waring.
Flande (L, 6-9) worked 6.0 innings, allowing five earned runs on nine hits. The left-hander struck out four while yielding three walks in a losing effort.
Norfolk plated two more runs in their half of the seventh against Dusty Hughes. The left-hander loaded the bases on a hit batter, single and walk. He then issued a bases-loaded walk to Tolleson scoring Ryan Flaherty and another free pass to Hoffmann, scoring Paulino. Peter Moylan relieved Hughes and retired Hoes to end the inning.
The Tides’ lead grew to 8-0 with a final run in the ninth. Cory Gearrin loaded the bases on two walks and a single, then walked Ryan Adams to force in Paulino. Gearrin ended the inning strong, however, striking out Flaherty looking to leave the bases full.
Jose Constanza went 1-for-4 in the leadoff spot to extend his International League leading on-base streak to 38 games. He, Luis Durango and Josh Wilson had the only hits for Gwinnett on the day.
Thursday, August 23rd G-Braves Starting Line-up from Coolray Field:
The Gwinnett Braves (59-73) have an off day on Wednesday before welcoming the Syracuse Chiefs to town for four games, beginning with a 7:05 PM first pitch on Thursday night at Coolray Field. The G-Braves will start left-hander Sean Gilmartin (1-1, 3.20) against Syracuse left-hander Zach Duke (14-5, 3.50). Listen to the broadcast on WDUN 550 AM / 102.9 FM in Gainesville, Georgia.
Syracuse (5th IL North) vs Gwinnett (4th IL South)
Thursday night is “Back to School” recognition night, as the G-Braves honor organizations that support education or after school/mentoring programs. Thursday night’s festivities also include “Racecar Night” and the first night of “Drive Me Crazy.”For more details, visit gwinnettbraves.com. Tickets for all Gwinnett Braves home games are on sale now at the Coolray Field Box Office. Call (678) 277-0340 or visit gwinnettbraves.com for more information.
Syracuse Chiefs Batting Order:
1) Eury Perez, LF
2) Corey Brown, CF
3) Jarrett Hoffpauir, 2B
4) Chris Marrero, 1B
5) Carlos Rivero
6) Sandy Leon, C
7) Zach Walters, SS
8) Brett Carroll, RF
9) Zach Duke, SP
G-Braves Batting Order:
1) Jose Constanza, LF
2) Luis Durango, CF
3) Lyle Overbay, 1B
4) Stefan Gartrell, RF
5) Jose Yepez, C
6) Rusty Ryal, 3B
7) Josh Wilson, SS
8) Brian Friday, 2B
9) Sean Gilmartin, SP
Education Day Game at Coolray Field This Morning
Photo courtesy of Karl Moore
The Norfolk Tides scored three times in the ninth to tie the game and three more times in the 11th to steal a 6-3 win from the Gwinnett Braves on Monday night at Coolray Field. Miguel Batista pitched 6.0 scoreless innings for the G-Braves and left with a 3-0 lead, but the bullpen failed to hold the advantage.
With Gwinnett leading 3-0, they went to their bullpen and Cole McCurry following the brilliant 77-pitch, 50-strike effort from Batista. McCurry worked 2.0 innings before exiting with runners on first and second base with nobody out in the ninth. Andy Russellentered the game and proceeded to allow three runs to cross the plate, two to McCurry’s line, as Norfolk tied the game at 3-3.
Ryan Flaherty walked and Joe Mahoney singled off McCurry to start the ninth. Bill Hall welcomed Russell by driving home the first run of the game for Norfolk, singling past first baseman Josh Kroeger to cut the deficit to 3-1. Endy Chavez then singled home Mahoney, and Luis Exposito grounded into a double play that scored the tying run.
McCurry worked 2.0 innings and allowed two runs on two hits. Russell followed him, lasting 2.0 innings with one run on two hits.
Ryan Buchter entered the game to start the 11th inning for the G-Braves. The left-hander walked Jamie Hoffmann to lead off the inning, then misfired to first for a throwing error after a Chavez bunt. Following a spectacular play by Buchter to force Hoffmann at third on a sacrifice bunt attempt by Exposito, a walk to pinch hitter Ryan Adams loaded the bases. Steve Tolleson drove home the go ahead run with a sacrifice fly to center, and L.J. Hoes put the game on ice with a two-run single off shortstop-turned-reliever Josh Wilson to give Norfolk a 6-3 lead.
Photo courtesy of Karl Moore
Buchter (L, 0-2) was credited for 0.2 innings, as he surrendered three unearned runs on no hits and three walks. Wilson worked 0.1 innings and surrendered just the one hit to Hoes.
Greg Burke (W, 2-1) worked 2.2 scoreless innings en route to the victory for Norfolk. The right-hander struck out two without yielding a walk through extra innings. Zach Phillips (S, 6) closed the door on the G-Braves for the save, recording the final out of the game. The Tides bullpen allowed just one run over 5.0 innings of relief on the night.
Batista was outstanding for the G-Braves on Monday, working 6.0 innings of scoreless baseball. The veteran right-hander surrendered just three total hits and struck out a season-high seven hitters, leaving the game in line for the victory.
Rusty Ryal was the lone offense to start the ballgame, doubling home Ruben Gotay in the second and fourth innings respectively, giving Gwinnett a 2-0 lead after four innings. Gotay walked with one out in the second, then scored from first on the double by Ryal. In the fourth, Gotay scored from first once again, this time after his single off Norfolk starter Zach Clark.
Jose Constanza walked to lead off the G-Braves’ seventh inning against Villarreal, extending his on-base streak to an International League leading 37 straight games.
Tuesday, August 21st G-Braves Starting Line-up from Coolray Field:
The Gwinnett Braves (59-72) conclude the two-game series against the Norfolk Tides (67-64) on Tuesday morning at Coolray Field. First pitch is scheduled for 10:35 AM. Left-hander Yohan Flande (6-8, 4.00) is scheduled to start for the G-Braves against left-hander Dana Eveland (4-4, 2.81) of the Tides. The radio broadcast will air live on 1240 ESPN Radio, while the television broadcast will air on CSS at 1:00 PM.
Norfolk Tides (2nd IL South) vs Gwinnett (4th IL North)
Celebrate back to school on Tuesday morning with the Gwinnett Braves, as students are welcomed to join the fun at Coolray Field on Belk Education Day. The day also features a special “Goosebumps Book Giveaway” to the first 1,000 fans age 14 and under, courtesy of Scholastic Books. Tickets for all Gwinnett Braves home games are on sale now at the Coolray Field Box Office. Call (678) 277-0340 or visit gwinnettbraves.com for more information.
Durham Bulls Batting Order:
1) L.J. Hoes, LF
2) Ryan Adams, 2B
3) Ryan Flaherty, LF
4) Bill Hall, DH
5) Joe Mahoney, 1B
6) Ronny Paulino, C
7) Brandon Waring, 3B
8) Steve Tolleson, SS
9) Jamie Hoffman, RF
G-Braves Batting Order:
1) Jose Constanza, LF
2) Luis Durango, CF
3) Ernesto Mejia, 1B
4) Stefan Gartrell, RF
5) Jose Yepez, C
6) Josh Kroeger, DH
7) Rusty Ryal, LF
8) Josh Wilson, SS
9) Brian Friday, 2B
Delgado Starting as G-Braves Seek Series Win Tonight
Photo courtesy of Kyle Hess
Atlanta Braves right-hander Tommy Hanson, pitching on a rehab assignment, threw 5.0 scoreless innings to lead the Gwinnett Braves to a 5-2 victory over the Louisville Bats on Sunday at Coolray Field. Ernesto Mejia, Rusty Ryal and Brian Friday all homered off Bats’ starter and former G-Brave Todd Redmond in a five-run fourth inning.
Hanson (W, 1-0) allowed just three hits and two walks while striking out five in his first start for Gwinnett since May 31, 2009. The right-hander threw 78 pitches, 48 for strikes in his first game action since being placed on Atlanta’s disabled list on July 31 with lower back stiffness.
“My back felt better, that was the main thing,” said Hanson. “I didn’t have much time to prepare for this start, but I still went out and made pitches. My off-speed stuff was really good. I felt really good with my curveball and slider. I feel good about the way I threw today. I’m looking forward to my next start.”
It was a scoreless game until the bottom of the fourth inning as Hanson and Redmond were caught in a pitcher’s duel. However, Gwinnett opened the floodgates as Josh Kroeger drew a walk and Mejia followed with a two-run blast that cleared the centerfield batter’s eye for a 2-0 lead. Stefan Gartrell stayed hot at the plate with a single, and Ryal followed with a two-run shot of his own, his first with Gwinnett, to give the G-Braves a 4-0 lead. Two hitters later, Friday laced a solo home run to left for the third Gwinnett homer of the frame and a 5-0 advantage.
The three-homer frame was the first in Gwinnett Braves history. The last instance of three home runs in a single inning by a Braves’ Triple-A club came on May 13, 2008, when the Richmond Braves slugged three homers in the sixth inning as part of a 7-1 win at Indianapolis.
Yohan Flande worked 2.0 scoreless innings in relief of Hanson, making his first relief appearance since April 5. The left-hander allowed just one hit and struck out one.
Louisville added two runs in their half of the eighth inning off Peter Moylan to cut the lead to 5-2. Felix Perez capped a 2-for-4 game with a two-run single off Moylan scoring Cody Puckett and Didi Gregorius. Anthony Varvaro closed the door on the Bats with a perfect frame in the ninth inning for his fifth save of the season.
Redmond (L, 8-9), making his first start at Coolray Field since a trade that sent him to the Cincinnati organization, allowed five earned runs on seven hits over 6.0 innings. The longtime G-Brave yielded three homers, walked one and struck out four. Kanekoa Texeira and Nick Masset combined to work 2.0 scoreless innings following the departure of Redmond.
Mejia finished 1-for-4 with his team-leading 24th home run and his International League best 84th and 85th RBIs. Ryal went 2-for-3 with two RBIs and Friday finished 2-for-3 with one RBI.
Photo courtesy of Chris Roughgarden
Monday, August 13th G-Braves Starting Line-up from Coolray Field:
The Gwinnett Braves (55-68) take on the Louisville Bats (48-75) in the series finale on Monday night at Coolray Field, first pitch scheduled for 7:05 PM. Right-hander Randall Delgado (2-2, 4.43) will start for the G-Braves against right-hander Pedro Villarreal (3-9, 4.12) of the Bats. The radio broadcast will air on WDUN 550 AM and 102.9 FM in Gainesville, Georgia with Tony Schiavone calling the play-by-play.
Norfolk Tides (2nd IL South) vs Gwinnett (4th IL North)
All kids 12 and under will receive a voucher for a free hot dog, a bag of chips and a small soda on Kids Eat Free Monday. Tickets for all Gwinnett Braves home games are on sale now at the Coolray Field Box Office. Call (678) 277-0340 or visit gwinnettbraves.com for more information.
Louisville Bats Batting Order:
1) Denis Phipps, CF
2) Didi Gregorius, SS
3) Henry Rodriguez, 3B
4) Neftali Soto, 1B
5) Dioner Navarro, C
6) Felix Perez, RF
7) Chris Valaika, 2B
8) Cody Puckett, LF
9) Pedro Villareal, SP
G-Braves Batting Order:
1) Luis Durango, CF
2) Josh Kroeger, RF
3) Ernesto Mejia, 1B
4) Stefan Gartrell, LF
5) Terry Tiffee, 3B
6) Jose Yepez, C
7) Rusty Ryal, LF
8) Brian Friday, 3B
9) Randall Delgado, SP
Tommy Hanson vs Todd Redmond at Coolray Field
Photo courtesy of Leslie Watts
The Atlanta Braves right-hander Tommy Hanson will have his first minor league rehab start on Sunday at Coolray Field for Triple-A Gwinnett. The Braves righty landed on the 15-day DL for Atlanta with lower back soreness. It is undetermined how many starts Hanson will need prior to heading back to the Braves rotation, regardless the Triple-A offense’s due to face him certainly have their work cut out.
The former G-Brave leads the Atlanta team in wins with his 12-5 record, alongside a 4.29 ERA in 22 starts this season. Hanson has also registered 114 strikeouts to 54 walks in 126.0 innings of work in the National League East Division. Opponents are batting .267 off the right-hander alongside his 1.44 WHIP.
G-Braves fans had the luxury of witnessing Tommy Hanson start for Gwinnett 11 times during the 2009 season. That year, Hanson went 3-3 with a 1.49 ERA, including 90 strikeouts and just 17 walks yielded in 66.1 innings pitched for the Triple-A affiliate of the Atlanta Braves.
Photo courtesy of 2009 Gwinnett Braves staff photographers
Sunday’s game against the Louisville Bats becomes even more interesting for Hanson as he is set to face former Gwinnett star Todd Redmond, who will be making his first start against his former teammates. On the season, the Bats possess one of the worst records in the International League, but they have shown some fight in the second half of the season. Either way, both sides will be primed and ready for Sunday’s showdown.
Redmond spent four years in Triple-A Gwinnett with the Atlanta Braves affiliate. The right-hander was one of the more consistent pitchers in Gwinnett franchise history. During the 2012 campaign, Redmond led the pitching staff in a number of categories, including wins, strikeouts and innings pitched. It should be a great match-up between a pair of workhorse’s on Sunday afternoon.
The Gwinnett Braves (53-68) take on the Louisville Bats (48-73) in game three of the four-game series on Sunday night at Coolray Field, first pitch scheduled for 5:05 PM. Right-hander Tommy Hanson (0-0, 0.00), on a Major League rehab assignment, is scheduled to start for the G-Braves against former Gwinnett right-hander Todd Redmond (8-8, 3.36) of the Bats. Listen to the broadcast on WDUN 550 AM and 102.9 FM in Gainesville, Georgia with Tony Schiavone calling the play-by-play.
By: Tony Piraro
