Aldama Stuns D-Braves in Loss, 7-1
Published on August 23, 2010 under Appalachian League (ApL)
Danville Otterbots News Release
DANVILLE, Va. - Looking to end their losing woes tonight, the Danville Braves found themselves stumped by Kingsport Mets starter Eduardo Aldama, as they fell 7-1. Remaining hitless until the fourth inning in tonight's loss, the Braves break even at 30-30 on the season, and they cling to their Appalachian League East Wild Card spot. The Mets remain in fourth in the West, as they improve to 26-32.
Kingsport picked up where they left off in last night's trouncing of the D-Braves right away, and leapt onto the board in the first inning courtesy of an RBI single by third baseman Aderlin Rodriguez. Giving up two hits with one out, Danville starting hurler David Filak settled down, and sent the next five batters packing, including a strike out.
The two innings would be it for Filak, as the starter - who the Braves will be using with caution for the remainder of the season - was replaced by piggy-back reliever Lucas La Point. The fellow righty enjoyed similar success, until Kingsport catcher Albert Cordero took a ball deep to left field in the fourth inning with a runner on, to give the Mets a 3-0 lead.
In second overall in the Appy League with a .272 team batting average, the D-Braves were unusually quiet against starter Aldama tonight. They remained no-hit by the righty until shortstop Andrelton Simmons broke the silence with an RBI single in the fourth, though two consecutive strike outs left him stranded on second.
Shut down in the fifth and sixth innings by La Point, the Mets flexed their muscle yet again, and put a three-spot on the board before the final out of the top of the seventh was in the books. With one out, and one on, right fielder John Semel belted a double to left to drive in a run. After second baseman Ray Van Gurp reached on a wild pitch after striking out, back-to-back RBIs by center fielder Chase Greene and shortstop Brandon Brown lengthened Kingsport's lead to 6-0.
Danville Closer Matthew Suschak gave up a lone run in the final inning of the game, as he allowed one hit, walked three and K'd five.
The D-Braves showed signs of life in the late innings for the second night in a row, after being shut down in order through the fifth, sixth and seventh innings. With an out recorded, second baseman-turned-shortstop Elmer Reyes and center fielder Jason Mowry notched consecutive singles, to put two on for the trailing Braves. A sacrifice fly by catcher Jace Whitmer drove Reyes home, but Danville could do no more, as they stranded another two in the ninth, to make the final score 7-1.
For allowing the opening run, and leaving the game with a deficit, Filak took his second loss of the season. Aldama, who faced just three batters over the minimum through his season-long eight-inning start, got his second win. Over the course of his outing, the stunning righty allowed just one run on three hits, struck out six and issued no free passes.
Solid with a bat in his hand for the Mets tonight was infielder Rodriguez, who finished at 2-for-4 on the night, with a single RBI and walk. Hitless tonight, Danville's designated hitter, Evan Gattis', 11-game hitting streak came to a close, while each of the three team hits came off a different bat.
Tomorrow night's series-closing game will be the D-Braves' last chance to snatch a win from the Kingsport Mets this season. The game begins at 7 p.m., and will showcase the first starts of the season by Danville's Ian Marshall, and Kingsport's Chase Hutchinson. Also featured at the ballpark tomorrow night is Dan River Middle Back to School Night. All DRMS students can purchase a ticket for only $1 with a paying adult. Over the course of the night, a raffle and silent auction will be held, with all contributions benefiting the family of a local student who was recently diagnosed with Leukemia.
After wrapping up the series with the Mets, and the six-game home stint, the Danville Braves will take to the road for the last trip of the regular season, as they head to Greeneville for three, and division-rival Burlington for two.
Appalachian League Stories from August 23, 2010
- Rays Edge Astros in 12 Innings - Greeneville Astros
- Aldama Stuns D-Braves in Loss, 7-1 - Danville Otterbots
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