Cards Strike Early and Often, Down Braves, 12-5
Published on July 23, 2010 under Appalachian League (ApL)
Danville Otterbots News Release
DANVILLE, Va. - The Johnson City Cardinals jumped out to a 3-1 lead in the first inning, and only distanced themselves from there, defeating the Danville Braves, 12-5. The Cardinals improve to 21-10 and lead the Appalachian League West by three games thanks to an Elizabethton Twins loss tonight. Starting the night in first place, wins by fellow leaders Pulaski and Burlington tonight drop the Braves to second in the East at 16-15.
Cardinals batters got to Braves lefty starter Ronan Pacheco right off the bat, with RBI singles by third baseman Romulo Ruiz and designated hitter Kleininger Teran, combined with a sacrifice fly to left by right fielder Roberto Reyes, put Johnson City up three after the first half. The D-Braves struck back in the bottom of the first, however, thanks to a solo home run by second baseman Barrett Kleinknecht.
The rally vibe was quickly silenced thanks to an additional nine Johnson City runs by the end of the sixth. Through six, D-Braves pitchers faced 42 Cardinals combined, and faced eight in the first, fourth and sixth innings.
It was a tough night to be on the mound for Danville, starting with Pacheco who was pulled after recording two outs in the second due to heat-related illness. Taking his place was Jamie Hayes in his sixth relief appearance of the season. In his three-inning outing, Hayes gave up five runs, all earned on seven hits, with four walks and three strikeouts.
Meanwhile, the D-Braves continued to struggle at the plate. Danville got another two marks on the board in the fourth off a two-run homer by designated hitter Evan Gattis. With the hit, Gattis extends his hitting streak to nine games - two in front of the season record.
Still looking for someone to shut down Johnson City's offense in the fifth inning, reliever Matthew Lewis came in for Hayes with two outs on the board, and drew the final out after a long at-bat by Teran. The sixth inning would not be as simple for Lewis, however, as he allowed two hits and two runs with three walks. Trailing 12-3, Edigson Mora went to work on the mound for Danville, and finally found the key to shutting down the Cardinals' offense. Facing 14 total batters in his 3.1 innings, Mora allowed no runs on four hits with a lone walk and strike out.
Battling âtil the very end, the Braves looked to take advantage of quiet Johnson City bats, and added runs in the seventh and eighth on an RBI doubles by first baseman Alberto Odreman, who reached third on a throwing error, and relief third baseman Jakob Dalfonso. Unable to add any more in the ninth, however, the v
Appalachian League Stories from July 23, 2010
- Cards Strike Early and Often, Down Braves, 12-5 - Danville Otterbots
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