SL1 Mississippi Braves

Anderson Deals 7.0 Quality Innings in Loss

Published on May 31, 2019 under Southern League (SL1)
Mississippi Braves News Release


PENSACOLA, FL - Ian Anderson struck out Pensacola's Mark Contreras to end the seventh inning on the 106th pitch of his outing, but striking out the side in his final frame and 7.0 innings of two-run baseball wasn't enough for the Mississippi Braves (24-28) on Friday night, falling 2-1 to the Pensacola Blue Wahoos (32-22). The loss forces a decisive game five of the series on Saturday night at Blue Wahoos Stadium, with the series even at 2-2.

Anderson (L, 2-4) scattered four hits through his seven-inning performance and dealt the 15th quality start by an M-Braves starter this month. The former third-overall selection by the Braves in 2016 set a season-high with 7.0 innings and struck out nine while walking just three. Anderson finished the month with a 3.09 ERA and 44 strikeouts in 32 innings.

The Blue Wahoos opened their scoring on a solo home run in the third inning from Mark Contreras. The homer was the fifth in two days for the Twins affiliate and 11th in four games. With the wind blowing out to left field again, that was the only home run of the night.

Pensacola made it 2-0 in the fourth inning when rehabbing Twins catcher Mitch Garber scored on a two-out single by Jimmy Kerrigan. The 21-year-old Anderson would go on to retire 12 of the next 14 batters to end his outing.

The M-Braves were shut out by starter Andro Cutoro, but they got to reliever Adam Bray (W, 3-2) in the fifth inning. Luis Valenzuela led off with a single and moved to third on a well-executed hit and run by Alejandro Salazar. The next batter, Jonathan Morales, lifted a sacrifice fly to center scoring Valenzuela and the lead was cut in half, 2-1.

Drew Waters doubled with one out in the eighth inning and was thrown out at the plate, attempting to score the tying run, on a single from Ryan Casteel. In the ninth, Salazar doubled on a nine-pitch at-bat but was left stranded in scoring position.

In the loss, Waters recorded his Southern League-leading 19th multi-hit game and 17th double. The 20-year old leads all of Double-A baseball with 65 hits and also extended his season-long hitting streak to eight games. Cristian Pache was 1-for-4 and upped his hitting streak to seven games.

The M-Braves out-hit Pensacola 8-5 but went 1-for-7 with runners in scoring position.

The M-Braves and Wahoos will play the rubber match of the series on Saturday night at Blue Wahoos Stadium. LHP Kyle Muller (3-1, 1.89) gets the start for Mississippi against a to be determined starter for the Wahoos. First pitch is set for 6:05 pm with coverage beginning at 5:51 pm on 103.9 WYAB, TuneIn Radio, MiLB First Pitch app. and MiLB.TV (subscription required).

The Mississippi Braves are the Double-A affiliate of the Atlanta Braves. Since the inaugural 2005 season, 139 M-Braves have gone on to Major League Baseball. The M-Braves have made postseason play four times and went on to win the Southern League Championship in 2008. Stop by Trustmark Park or call 888-BRAVES4 Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. For the latest news and updates, visit mississippibraves.com or connect with @mbraves on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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Southern League Stories from May 31, 2019


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