Results tagged ‘ Stefan Gartrell ’
Felix Pie, G-Braves Snap 15-Game Skid
Photo courtesy of Karl Moore
LAWRENCEVILLE, GA. – The Gwinnett Braves snapped their franchise-record 15-game losing streak with a come-from-behind 6-5 victory over the first place Charlotte Knights on Sunday at Coolray Field. Felix Pie was the hero in a two-run ninth, delivering a walk-off single to right scoring Tyler Pastornicky to give the G-Braves their first win since June 15. For the month of July, the Gwinnett Braves are unbeaten (1-0).
The G-Braves were in first place on June 5, when they hosted the Lehigh Valley IronPigs (Phillies Triple-A) for a 10-1 loss at Coolray Field. At the time, the Knights were 0.5 games behind Gwinnett for first. 25 days later on June 30, the G-Braves found themselves in last place of the International League South standings, starring up at first-place Charlotte (White Sox Triple-A), as they trailed them by a season-high 11.0 games. The losing skid saw Gwinnett invent new ways to lose, but for the time being they have found the light at the end of the tunnel with a much-needed win. Their next objective is to draw within striking distance of Norfolk and Durham who lead the G-Braves in the standings by 2.0 and 4.0 games respectively.
The G-Braves were heading toward their 16th straight loss before fortunes turned in the ninth against Charlotte left-hander Donnie Veal. Facing a 5-4 deficit, Luis Durango led off with a bunt single and then advanced to second on Jose Constanza’s sacrifice bunt. Pastornicky followed with a clutch double off a sliding Justin Greene in left-center, scoring Durango from second to tie the score at 4-4. The next batter, Pie, laced a 1-1 pitch from Veal (L, 3-2) to right field to score Pastornicky and send the home dugout racing on to the field in celebration.
Photo courtesy of Karl Moore
Gwinnett had lost 27 of their previous 32 games dating back to May 30, including 25 of 30 contests in June before recording their sixth walk-off win of the year on Sunday. The G-Braves are now 1-1 on the four-game series, bringing them to within 10.0 games of Charlotte for first place in the International League South Division.
It was a back-and-forth game for most of the day as Charlotte took leads of 2-0, 4-2 and 5-4 on the strength of three home runs. G-Braves starter Todd Redmond served up a two-run blast to Dan Johnson in the first inning, another two-run shot to Kyle Shelton in the fourth and a solo homer to Dallas McPherson that snapped a 4-4 tie in the sixth. Redmond did not factor in the decision despite allowing five runs, three earned on seven hits, including a season high-tying three home runs over 5.2 innings.
The G-Braves offense proved resilient, however, as they tied the score at 2-2 in the third inning and 4-4 in the fifth. Pie’s first hit of the day, an RBI double in the first inning, scored Constanza to cut the deficit to 2-1. Pie’s 10th double of the year extended his hitting streak to 14 games, matching the Gwinnett franchise record set by Barbaro Canizares in late 2010….
For the rest of the G-Braves recap from Sunday’s walk-off win, go to gwinnettbraves.com or click this link:
By: Tony Piraro
Braves Sign Ben Sheets to Minor League Deal
Photo courtesy of Chris Roughgarden
Early Sunday the Atlanta Braves signed former Major League superstar pitcher Ben Sheets to minor league contract. The right-hander will be assigned to Double-A Mississippi to begin his journey toward the big leagues. Sheets hasn’t appeared in a Major League Baseball game since July 9, 2010 when he was a member of the Oakland Athletics. Since then, the hurler has undergone Tommy John reconstructive surgery nearly two years ago as he looks to regain his former strength.
Sheets possesses a 90-92 record alongside a 3.79 career ERA, 1.22 WHIP including 1547.1 innings pitched with 1,290 strikeouts to just 356 walks. He’s a four-time All-Star and earned National League Cy Young Award votes in 2004 after posting a sparkling 2.70 ERA, 0.98 WHIP and 264/32 K/BB ratio across 237 regular-season innings with the Milwaukee Brewers.
The 33-year-old will head to Double-A Mississippi on Wednesday to begin pitching in live games. Sheets may take time to get ready for Major League hitting, nearly two years after surgery. However, the right-hander has always been a bulldog. If there is any pitcher out there, prepared to make a comeback of epic proportions, it’s Ben Sheets.
Sheets threw a bullpen session at Turner Field on Sunday afternoon prior to the Braves and Washington Nationals game at 1:05 p.m. His next stop will be Mississippi, and then it’s anybody’s guess after that. I know one thing, the Braves have a legitimate competitor who is going to be able to teach the Braves pitching prospects how it’s done and how to be successful at the Major League level.
By: Tony Piraro
G-Braves Face “Mr. Perfect Game” Phil Humber
Photo courtesy of Karl Moore
It was more heartbreak for the struggling Gwinnett Braves in the opener of a four-game series against the Charlotte Knights on Saturday night at Coolray Field. The Knights broke a 1-1 tie on a passed ball charged to catcher J.C. Boscan in the eighth, then added three more runs in the frame against Cory Gearrin to capture a 5-3 win over the G-Braves. Boscan atoned with a two-run double in the ninth, but couldn’t prevent Gwinnett from extending their franchise-record losing streak to 15 games.
This year’s G-Braves have lost 27 of their last 32 games dating back to May 30, including 25 of 30 contests this month. It was the first game of a seven-game homestand in the next nine days, including six of the next nine against Charlotte. The loss move the G-Braves to a season-high 11 games in back of Charlotte for first place in the International League South standings.
Some lone bright-spots for the G-Braves this season was Ernesto Mejia and Cory Gearrin both being named to the Triple-A All-Star team for the game on July 10, in Buffalo, New York at 7:05 p.m. ET. Luis Durango currently leads the IL in stolen bases (28) and is one shy of leading all of Triple-A baseball in swipes with 29. Felix Pie is currently on a 13-game hit streak, which is good enough for the tie of best mark this season by a G-Braves. Mejia tied the longest with a 13-game streak, which was one hit shy of the franchise record 14-game streak by Barbaro Canizares. Also, Jose Constanza currently possesses a seven-game hit streak for Gwinnett since rejoining the team from Atlanta.
Photo courtesy of Chris Roughgarden
Saturday, June 30 G-Braves Starting Line-up from Coolray Field:
The Gwinnett Braves (37-47) play game two of the four-game series against the Charlotte Knights (48-36) tomorrow night at Coolray Field, first pitch scheduled for 5:05 PM. Right-hander Todd Redmond (6-5, 3.13) is scheduled to start for the G-Braves against right-hander Matt Zaleski (3-2, 4.48) of the Knights. The game will be broadcast on WDUN 550 AM and 102.9 FM in Gainesville, GA with Tony Schiavone calling the play-by-play.
Charlotte Knights (47-36, 1st IL South) vs Gwinnett (37-46, 4th IL South)
Sunday is night two of Braves All-Star Weekend at Coolray Field, presented by Springer Mountain Farms. Former Atlanta Braves greats Dale Murphy and Ryan Kleskowill be on hand for special meet-and-greets and autograph opportunities. The first 1,000 fans will receive Gwinnett Braves pennants courtesy of Springer Mountain Farms. It’s also a Family Day at the ballpark including pre-game catch on the field and post-game base run for kids 12 and under. 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.
Photo courtesy of Karl Moore
Charlotte Knights Batting Order:
1) Tyler Kuhn, LF
2) Ray Olmedo, 2B
3) Dan Johnson, 1B
4) Hector Gimenez, DH
5) Dallas McPherson, 3B
6) Josh Phegley, C
7) Justin Greene, CF
8) Ozzie Martinez, SS
9) Kyle Shelton, RF
G-Braves Batting Order:
1) Jose Constanza, LF
2) Tyler Pastornicky, SS
3) Felix Pie, RF
4) Ernesto Mejia, DH
5) Stefan Gartrell, LF
6) Christian Marrero, 1B
7) Ruben Gotay, 3B
8) Lance Zawadzki, 2B
9) J.C. Boscan, C
G-Braves’ Seven-Game Homestand Begins Tonight
Photo courtesy of Kyle Hess
The Gwinnett Braves return home to Coolray Field for seven games in a nine-day stretch that will begin on Saturday, June 30 and conclude on Sunday, July 8. The G-Braves will host the International League South Division leading Charlotte Knights (June 30-July 3) for four games and another IL South foe, theDurham Bulls (July 6-8) for three games. The finale of the series on Sunday, July 8, originally scheduled for 5:05 PM, is now a 2:05 PM start.
After nearly two months of dominance, the G-Braves are currently fourth in the IL South Division after losing 12 straight games and 24 of their last 29 contests. However, two of the bright spots of the season were honored as Triple-A All-Star selections on Wednesday, June 27. Pitcher Cory Gearrin and first baseman Ernesto Mejia will both represent Gwinnett and the IL in the 25th Triple-A All-Star Game on Wednesday, July 11 in Buffalo, NY. Gearrin, selected to the game by the IL office, has seven saves in eight chances alongside a perfect 3-0 record and masterful 1.31 ERA. Mejia, selected in part by online fan vote, is fifth in the IL in batting average at .305. He also ranks among the league’s best in RBIs (4th, 52), home runs (7th, 15) and slugging percentage (7th, .540) as well as several other categories.
Photo courtesy of Chris Roughgarden
The G-Braves are presently wrapping up an eight-game road trip (0-4 at Syracuse, 0-2 at Scranton/Wilkes-Barre). Gwinnett will have four games to begin the homestand against Charlotte, then will head to Fort Mill, SC for a quick two-game set against the Knights. Afterward, the G-Braves will return home for the three-game series against Durham.
The homestand begins with “Braves All-Star Weekend” presented by Springer Mountain Farms, featuring appearances by former Braves Dave Justice, Javy Lopez, Dale Murphy and Ryan Klesko on Saturday, June 30 and Sunday, July 1. A special fireworks spectacular sponsored by WAGA Fox 5 highlights the Friday, July 6 game, and the Chopper Baseball Giveaway happens on Saturday, July 7.
Here’s a look at the rest of the homestand:
Saturday, June 30
Charlotte Knights (Chicago White Sox) vs. Gwinnett Braves, 7:05 PM
Presenting Sponsor: Springer Mountain Farms
National Anthem performed by: Lauren Mask
Features:
- Braves All-Star Weekend, Sponsored by Springer Mountain Farms - Former Braves Dave Justice and Javy Lopez will be at the park to meet and greet, including a 90-minute autograph session after the start of the game. Limit 1 per person, first come first serve basis.
- Pennant Flag Giveaway - The first 1,000 fans through the gates will receive a free pennant flag, courtesy of Springer Mountain Farms.
Sunday, July 1
Charlotte Knights (Chicago White Sox) vs. Gwinnett Braves, 5:05 PM
Presenting Sponsors: Springer Mountain Farms and Univision
National Anthem performed by: Cannon Church
Features:
- Braves All-Star Weekend, Sponsored by Springer Mountain Farms - Former Braves Dale Murphy and Ryan Klesko will be at the park to meet and greet, including a 90-minute autograph session after the start of the game. Limit 1 per person, first come first serve basis.
- Pennant Flag Giveaway - The first 1,000 fans through the gates will receive a free pennant flag, courtesy of Springer Mountain Farms.
- Salute to the Arts - The G-Braves will be recognizing organizations that support art programs and art education.
- Family Sunday - Bring your ball and glove for a pre-game catch in the outfield! All kids 12 and under will get to run the bases following the game as well.
Monday, July 2
Charlotte Knights (Chicago White Sox) vs. Gwinnett Braves, 7:05 PM
National Anthem performed by: Brianna Evans
Features:
- Kids Eat Free Monday - All kids 12 and under will receive a voucher for a free hot dog, a bag of chips and a small soda.
Tuesday, July 3
Charlotte Knights (Chicago White Sox) vs. Gwinnett Braves, 7:05 PM
National Anthem performed by: Abbey Kochman
Features:
- 2 for 1 Tuesday - Save up to 50% off tickets by visiting GwinnettBraves.com/Tuesday. Print your coupon from home and present it at the Box Office to redeem!
Friday, July 6
Durham Bulls (Tampa Bay Rays) vs. Gwinnett Braves, 7:05 PM
Presenting Sponsor: 12Stone
National Anthem and God Bless America performed by: Timothy Miller
Features:
- Fox 5 Friday Fireworks - Stick around after the game for our Independence Day show following the game! It will be the biggest and longest firework spectacular of the year!
- Red, White and Blue Thundersticks Giveaway - Celebrate Fourth of July with the G-Braves as every fan in the stands will receive free thundersticks.
Photo courtesy of Kyle Hess
Saturday, July 7
Durham Bulls (Tampa Bay Rays) vs. Gwinnett Braves, 7:05 PM
Presenting Sponsor: Tyson® Any’Tizers® Snacks
National Anthem performed by: Rex Norton
Features:
- Chopper Baseball Giveaway - The first 2,000 fans through the gates will receive a free Chopper baseball
Sunday, July 8
Durham Bulls (Tampa Bay Rays) vs. Gwinnett Braves, 2:05 PM
Presenting Sponsor: Univision
National Anthem performed by: Georgia 811
Features:
- Touch-a-Truck - Enjoy the opportunity to see your favorite machinery and vehicles up close! Stop by to check out the dump trucks, fire engines, police cars, and more!
- Public Safety Night - The G-Braves will be recognizing local law enforcement, firefighters, and EMT’s before the game.
- Youth Athletics - The G-Braves will be recognizing organizations that promote youth athletics and activities.
- Family Sunday - Bring your ball and glove for a pre-game catch in the outfield! All kids 12 and under will get to run the bases following the game as well.
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.
2012 Pacific Coast League All-Star Roster Announced
The 2012 Triple-A All-Star Game is set to take place on Wednesday, July 11 in Buffalo, New York at the home of the Bisons. First pitch is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET and the game will be televised live on the MLB Network. The International League All-Star’s will play host to the Pacific Coast League All-Star’s in the 25th annual exhibition game. The winner of the game will earn home field adavnatge for the Triple-A National Championship Game on September 18 in Durham, N.C. The IL released their roster on Wednesday, so here is the PCL’s All-Star roster which was released Thursday.
Here is your 2012 PCL All-Star roster:
Manager
Marty Brown, Las Vegas
Reno (4)
Jonathan Albaladejo, RHP
Jake Elmore, IF
Ryan Wheeler, IF
Adam Eaton, OF
Las Vegas (2)
Chad Beck, RHP
Adeiny Hechavarria, IF
Memphis (1)
Barret Browning, LHP
Albuquerque (4)
John Ely, RHP
Josh Wall, RHP
Tim Federowicz, C
Luis Cruz, IF
Sacramento (1)
Graham Godfrey, RHP
Fresno (2)
Eric Hacker, RHP
Heath Hembree, RHP
Nashville (1)
Jim Henderson, RHP
Omaha (3)
Tommy Hottovy, LHP
Clint Robinson, IF
Wil Myers, OF
Oklahoma City (3)
Landon Powell, C
Mike Hessman, IF
Jimmy Paredes, IF
Tacoma (2)
Guillermo Quiroz, C
Luis Jimenez, IF
Iowa (1)
Josh Vitters, IF
Colorado Springs (1)
Andrew Brown, OF
Round Rock (1)
Joey Butler, OF
Salt Lake (1)
Kole Calhoun, OF
Tuscon (1)
Daniel Robertson, OF
The Home Run Derby participants will be announced in the coming days, so look out for that soon. The G-Braves very own Stefan Gartrell won the 2011 All-Star Home Run Derby in Salt Lake City, Utah.
By: Tony Piraro
2012 International League All-Star Roster Announced
The 2012 Triple-A All-Star Game is set to take place on Wednesday, July 11 in Buffalo, New York at the home of the Bisons. First pitch is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET and the game will be televised live on the MLB Network. The International League All-Star’s will play host to the Pacific Coast League All-Star’s in the 25th annual exhibition game. The winner of the game will earn home field adavnatge for the Triple-A National Championship Game on September 18 in Durham, N.C. The PCL will release their All-Star roster later in the week.
For now, here is your 2012 IL All-Star roster:
Manager
Ryne Sandberg, Lehigh Valley
Gwinnett Braves (2)
Ernesto Mejia, 1B
Photo courtesy of Melinda Pease
Cory Gearrin, RHP
Photo courtesy of Kyle Hess
Charlotte Knights (IL-leading 4)
Charlie Leesman, LHP
Greg Golson, OF
Dan Johnson, 1B
Josh Phegley, C
Norfolk Tides (2)
Jason Berken, RHP
Miguel Socolovich, RHP
Durham Bulls (1)
Dane De La Rosa, RHP
Pawtucket (IL-leading 4)
Justin Germano, RHP
Ryan Lavarnway, C
Pedro Ciriaco, IF
Mauro Gomez, 1B
Buffalo (3)
Fernando Cabrera, RHP
Matt Harvey, RHP
Valentino Pascucci, OF
Scranton/WB (1)
Juan Cedeno, LHP
Lehigh Valley (2)
Tyler Cloyd, RHP
Kevin Frandsen, IF
Syracuse (2)
Zach Duke, LHP
Corey Brown, OF
Indianapolis (3)
Rudy Owens, LHP
Starling Marte, OF
Jordy Mercer, IF
Louisville (1)
Dioner Navarro, C
Columbus (3)
Russ Canzler, OF
Matt LaPorta, OF
Cord Phelps, IF
Toledo (1)
Chris Bootcheck, RHP
Rochester (1)
Pedro Florimon, IF
The Pacific Coast League All-Star’s will be named later in the week. Once they are revealed, I will publish them for you to see. The Home Run Derby participants will also be announced in the coming days. The G-Braves very own Stefan Gartrell won the 2011 All-Star Home Run Derby in Salt Lake City, Utah.
By: Tony Piraro
G-Braves Look to Stop Losing Skid at 10 Straight
Photo courtesy of Karl Moore
The Gwinnett Braves have gone from first place to last place in the International League South Division in a matter of days. For the first 55 days of the season, the G-Braves were in first place and at times had the best record in the league. On June 26, those same G-Braves are now tied for last place with the Durham Bulls with 37 wins and 42 losses.
Gwinnett is not only currently on a 10-game losing skid, but the G-Braves have dropped 22 of their last 27 contests. They are 1-9 in their last 10 games and the last time they won a game was three series’ ago against the Columbus Clippers. Gwinnett was then swept by Indianapolis at Coolray Field, then they were swept by Syracuse in New York and now the G-Braves make their way to the Empire State with a four-game series set against the Yankees affiliate.
Tuesday will begin the final four games of Gwinnett’s current eight-game road trip. After the conclusion of the last game on Friday, the G-Braves will head back to Georgia for some much-needed home cooking. Gwinnett will host seven of their next nine games at home, with a break in the middle for a home-and-home series with the first place Charlotte Knights of the IL South.
Photo courtesy of Leslie Watts
The Gwinnett Braves (37-42) move to Rochester, New York tonight for a four-game series against the Empire State Yankees. The G-Braves will have right-hander Todd Redmond (6-3, 3.40) on the mound, as he opposes the Yankees right-hander D.J. Mitchell (5-4, 5.74). The first game of the series is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. first pitch at Frontier Field on Tuesday evening. Listen to the broadcast on WDUN AM 550 in Gainesville, Georgia with Tony Schiavone calling the play by play.
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.
By: Tony Piraro
Triple-A All-Star Voting Ends Tonight
Photo courtesy of Kyle Hess
Today is your last chance to vote for your favorite International League and Pacific Coast League 2012 All-Star candidates.
Click this link to vote now for 2012 Triple-A All-Stars. Simply click on the Gwinnett Braves logo and all of the G-Braves on the ballot will be highlighted for you. Or you can simply go to: http://www.milb.com/milb/events/asg/y2012/ballot/ to vote today.
There is a maximum of 25 votes per person, per day. Plenty of opportunity to get your favorite players in the 2012 ASG.
The 2012 Triple-A All-Star Game is scheduled for Wednesday, July 11 at the home of the Bisons’ in Buffalo, New York. First pitch is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET between the IL All-Stars and the PCL All-Stars. The game will be televised live on the MLB Network.
Currently, two of your G-Braves are in contention for an All-Star bid. Ernesto Mejia is 5th among Triple-A first basemen, as the G-Brave slugger is leading Gwinnett in most offensive categories, including a team-high .317 batting average. Julio Teheran is 9th among starting pitchers and is back in Gwinnett after making a spot-start for the Atlanta Braves on Sunday. Rest assured, Teheran is primed to make his second straight Triple-A all-star game.
Photo courtesy of Kyle Hess
Other G-Braves that should be considered for an All-Star bid are outfielders Jose Constanza, Luis Durango and Stefan Gartrell and utility man Christian Marrero. Meanwhile, the pitchers that deserve consideration are starters Todd Redmond and Yohan Flande, relievers Cory Gearrin, Jaye Chapman, Buddy Carlyle, Jose Lugo, Adam Russell and Dusty Hughes.
No matter who your favorite team or player is, the time to show your support is now. Your last chance to vote is today…Click here to Vote
By: Tony Piraro
Gartrell Named May Topps IL Player of the Month
Photo courtesy of Karl Moore
Gwinnett Braves outfielder Stefan Gartrell was named the May Topps Player of the Month for the International League in an announcement released by Minor League Baseball on Thursday, June 21.
The 28 year-old hit .333 (35-for-105) with six doubles, a league-high 10 home runs and 23 RBIs in 30 games in May for the G-Braves. He ranked second in the circuit in slugging percentage (.676), OPS (1.102), extra-base hits (16), runs (23) and RBIs (23). The San Francisco, CA native was named the IL’s Batter of the Week for the week ending May 6 after hitting .400 (8-for-20) with three home runs and eight RBIs in five games.
“The funniest part is that I was probably the worst hitter in the league the first month (laughing). Then the first week of the second month, they’re like, ‘you’re the best player for the first week of May.’ Really? It took me a whole month? But that is baseball,” said Gartrell. “I just needed April to be over with. I would like to think I was just in a slump, but then things clicked. I started shortening up my swing. I guess it took me until May to figure that out.”
Acquired by the Atlanta Braves from the Chicago White Sox on April 16, 2011, Gartrell has played each of the last two seasons in Gwinnett. Last year, he hit .260 with a team-high 25 home runs and 91 RBIs, earning both mid-season and post-season International League All-Star awards. His 94 total RBIs between Charlotte and Gwinnett were the most in the IL, while his 26 total home runs ranked second in the league. In 69 games with the G-Braves this season, Gartrell is hitting .242 (59-for-244) with 11 home runs and 31 RBIs.
Photo courtesy of Karl Moore
“The reason I am here is because I have always been a very aggressive hitter, to a point to where it’s overaggressive. If I become passive, or take too many pitches then there goes my aggressive swing which goes into my power. I just have to go back to my roots. Shorten up, make good contact and see what happens,” Gartrell said.
Stefan Gartrell and the rest of the Gwinnett Braves begin an eight-game road trip on Friday night as they open a four-game series at Alliance Bank Stadium in Syracuse, NY. First pitch against the Syracuse Chiefs is scheduled for 7:00 PM. The G-Braves are expected to start left-hander Yohan Flande (3-5, 3.95), while the Chiefs will counter with right-hander Tanner Roark (3-9, 5.74). The game will be broadcast on WDUN 550 AM and 102.9 FM in Gainesville, GA with Tony Schiavone calling the play-by-play. 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.
By: Tony Piraro
G-Braves Swept by Indianapolis, 4-2
Photo courtesy of Leslie Watts
LAWRENCEVILLE, GA. – A two-out, two-run double by Indianapolis right fielder Brandon Boggs led the Indians to a 4-2 win and a series sweep over the Gwinnett Braves on Thursday afternoon at Coolray Field. Todd Redmond made the start for Gwinnett after being optioned to the club from Atlanta earlier in the day and suffered the loss with four earned runs over 6.0 innings.
Ruben Gotay led the G-Braves with a 2-for-4 effort including a game-tying two-run home run, his first of the season, in the fourth inning. However, Boggs snapped the 2-2 tie two innings later, lofting a double just inside the right-field line to plate Starling Marte and Jeff Larish for the game-winning runs.
The G-Braves (37-38), losers of 18 of their last 23 games, drop under the .500 mark for the first time since the club was 2-3 on April 9. Gwinnett falls to a season-worst 5.5 games behind Charlotte for first place in the International League South Division. The Knights (42-32) play Columbus at 7:15 PM Thursday night.
Brian Friday started the offense for Indianapolis, leading off the third inning with a double. After he was advanced to third base on a sacrifice bunt by his pitcher Rudy Owens, Friday was then driven home on a Gorkys Hernandez groundout to give the Indians an early 1-0 lead. That lead grew to 2-0 an inning later as Marte and Larish laced back-to-back doubles to produce a run.
Ernesto Mejia doubled to lead off the fourth inning for Gwinnett, his second of two hits on the day. Following a Stefan Gartrell strikeout, Gotay followed with a two-run shot down the left field line that just made it over the fence in fair territory. The game-tying blast was Gotay’s first home run since August 7, 2011 with Gwinnett against Charlotte.
Photo courtesy of Leslie Watts
Redmond (L, 6-5) couldn’t keep the game tied, however. The right-hander allowed four runs on six hits, walked two and struck out nine in his first outing since a four-day stint with the Atlanta Braves. He threw 104 pitches, 66 for strikes over 6.0 innings. RelieversCory Gearrin and Dusty Hughes worked the rest of the game for Gwinnett, combining to allow a hit while striking out four over 3.0 scoreless innings.
Owens (W, 6-2) was very efficient for the Indians, using just 89 pitches to get through 6.0 innings of two-run baseball. The left-hander allowed those two runs on six hits and struck out four, while walking just one hitter en route to the victory. Evan Meek and Bryan Morris each worked scoreless frames in the seventh and eighth innings. Closer Tim Wood (S, 8) shut the door in the ninth inning for the Indians as he struck out one and yielded one hit in his scoreless inning.
Gotay (2-for-4, HR, 2 RBIs) and Mejia (2-for-5, double, run) had the only multi-hit games for the G-Braves. Boggs finished 2-for-3 with a double and two RBIs for the Indians.
Photo courtesy of Leslie Watts
The Gwinnett Braves get back on the road for an eight-game road trip that will begin on Friday night at Syracuse, first pitch against the Chiefs at Alliance Bank Stadium scheduled for 7:00 PM. The G-Braves are expected to start left-hander Yohan Flande (3-5, 3.95), while the Chiefs will counter with right-hander Tanner Roark (3-9, 5.74). The game will be broadcast on WDUN 550 AM and 102.9 FM in Gainesville, GA with Tony Schiavone calling the play-by-play.
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.
