Win Gives Danville Share of First Place
Published on July 22, 2010 under Appalachian League (ApL)
Danville Otterbots News Release
DANVILLE, Va. - The Danville Braves held on to a fourth-inning lead and shut out the Mariners after the first for the win tonight, 4-1. After a Burlington loss tonight, it is now Danville, Burlington and Pulaski that share the lead in the Appalachian League East with matching 16-14 records.
Pulaski struck first in tonight's match-up after Braves starting tosser Ryan Weber got into a little trouble to start off the game. In the top of the first, Weber granted a lead-off double to center fielder Mario Yepez, followed by an RBI single by third baseman Ramon Morla an out later.
Weber, in his second outing since being added back into the D-Braves' starting rotation, took control after the early-inning slip. Through the rest of his seven-inning go-around, the righty faced only one batter over the minimum, thanks, in part to an excellent display of defense by the D-Braves fielders, and struck out six Mariners. His six strike outs tie his season high for the third time this season.
For the second consecutive night, Danville batters came ready to work, and notched ten hits in the game. All of the damage on the board for the Braves came in an active fourth inning in which, again, for the second night, every batter came up to the plate, this time against Pulaski starter Tim Boyce.
In the inning that started off with a double by Andrelton Simmons, four runs scored on an identical four hits. The damage kicked off with an RBI sacrifice fly by second baseman Elmer Reyes, and was followed by another run on the board off a throwing error that allowed third baseman Barrett Kleinknect to reach second. Catcher Evan Gattis contributed the final two tallies of the inning, and the game, on his third single of the game.
The relief pitchers for both teams both contributed shut out innings, with Pulaski's Michael Vitale throwing for the final four, allowing only one hit, and Danville's Matthew Suschak closing the eighth and ninth innings, giving up three hits in his appearance.
Weber was credited with the win tonight, moving his record up to 3-1, and his ERA down to 2.86. Suschak was also awarded the save. Boyce now drops to 5-2 on the season for the four runs he gave up, despite only one being earned.
With yet another all-around game, Danville's Gattis especially shown while swinging the bat, putting together a 3-4 night with two RBIs. The catcher, after notching his first hit in his first-at bat, now officially holds the longest D-Braves hitting streak of 2010 at eight games and counting. Also notable on the night was that no Braves batter struck out or walked for the first time this season. For Pulaski, Morla, the league's home run leader, was fairly quiet, going 1-4 and knocking in the only Mariner run.
The Braves now gear up for the second-half of their home stand as they welcome the Johnson City Cardinals for a three game series that starts tomorrow night at 7 p.m. On the hill for Danville as the team takes on the leaders of the West division, will be lefty Ronan Pacheco, who will face off against fellow lefty Ryan Copeland.
Several great promotions still remain in this stint at home, starting with Dr. Bryan Spurrier, DDS Night tomorrow, July 23. Next up is Can Koozie Give-Away Night presented by First Citizens Bank on Saturday, July 24. Fans, don't miss your chance to catch all of the action, and enjoy these great promotions this weekend!
Fans can follow all Braves play-by-play action for home games on WMNA 106.3 FM or on the Braves' website at www.dbraves.com. For other information on the schedule, tickets, group nights, and/or partnership opportunities please contact the Danville Braves office at (434) 797-3792, info@dbraves.com, or log on to the D-Braves website.
Appalachian League Stories from July 22, 2010
- Astros Shutout Sox - Greeneville Astros
- Win Gives Danville Share of First Place - Danville Otterbots
- O's Begin Homestand July 23 - Bluefield Ridge Runners
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