D-Braves Take Series from Burlington, Win 3-1
August 15, 2015 - Appalachian League (ApL)
Danville Otterbots News Release
DANVILLE, VA- The Danville Braves took the four game series three games to one from the Burlington Royals with a 2-1 win. Starter Ryan Clark pitched a gem, giving up only three hits and surrendering only one run while striking out three in five innings pitched.
Burlington took an early 1-0 lead in the top of the second inning, taking a 1-0 lead in each of three games played in Danville. In the second inning, Royals first baseman Brandon Thomasson doubled to right field to lead off the inning and to also put a runner in scoring position for the Royals. With Thomasson on second, Royals designated hitter Meibrys Viloria singled home Thomasson to take a 1-0 lead after two innings.
The D-Braves would answer back in the bottom of the third with a pair of unearned runs to give the Braves a 2-1 lead. Braves second baseman Yeudi Grullon reached base on an error by Royals shortstop Jose Martinez, the ball bounced off his glove into shallow right field, allowing Grullon to advance to second. Later in the inning, Braves left fielder Justin Ellison would walk after Grullon advanced to third on a ground out by outfielder Ray Didder. With runners on the corners for the Braves, third baseman Austin Riley would single up the middle, scoring Grullon to tie the game at 1-1. The very next batter, shortstop Kurt Hoekstra singled home Ellison from second giving the D-Braves a 2-1 lead that would hold for the remainder of the game.
In the top of the ninth inning, the Royals would threaten to take the lead and force extra baseball at American Legion Post 325 Field. Royals' shortstop Martinez singled to left center field to lead off the inning. With one out in the inning, Thomasson doubled off the wall in right field. With Martinez at third base and Thomasson at second, Braves pitcher Grayson Jones intentionally walked catcher Xavier Fernandez to load the bases with one out, to initiate a force out at any base. However, Jones struck out Royals center fielder Luke Willis and then jammed Viloria with a fastball, as he would fly out to center to end the game and preserve a 2-1 win for the D-Braves.
The Braves now travel to Elizabethton for a crucial three game series with the Twins. Danville will return home following the off day on Wednesday August 19 for a Thursday night game against the Greeneville Astros. Thursday will be Planet Fitness night at the ball park, Planet Fitness Members can receive $1 off a General Admission Ticket at the gate if they present their Planet Fitness Member Card. Also, the first 100 fans through the gate will receive a Planet Fitness Goodie Bag!
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Appalachian League Stories from August 15, 2015
- Yankees Close Series with 8-1 Win - Greeneville Astros
- Rays Win on August 15 - Princeton WhistlePigs
- D-Braves Take Series from Burlington, Win 3-1 - Danville Otterbots
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