Sports stats



SL1 Mississippi Braves

Ankiel Pitches Smokies to Sweep

June 25, 2003 - Southern League (SL1)
Mississippi Braves News Release


GREENVILLE, SC -- Tennessee Smokies starter Rick Ankiel (2-5) pitched seven shutout innings and struck out a season high 12 in route to a 2-0 victory over the Greenville Braves Wednesday night at Greenville Municipal Stadium. The former big leaguer struck out at least one G-Brave in every inning and allowed only two hits to earn the win.

Greenville starter Matt Belisle (4-7) was the hard luck loser as he gave up only two runs over seven innings of work.

The Smokies struck for the only runs of the game in the second inning when Papo Bolivar hit a flare down the right-field line that he stretched into a triple, and Corey Erickson followed with a homerun to left.

The G-Braves threatened in the bottom of the third inning as Belisle led off with a single to right. Leadoff hitter Richard Lewis then grounded back to Ankiel, but the throw to second was wide to put runners on first and second with no outs. James Jurries then struck out swinging. Ankiel plunked Ryan Langerhans to load the bases, but Bill McCarthy rolled into a 4-6-3 double play to end the inning.

Smokies closer Michael Lyons pitched the ninth to record his 20th save of the season and secure the four game sweep of the G-Braves.

Game Notes

Shortstop Ramon Castro was the only G-Brave starter who did not strike out; he had three walks and a sacrifice bunt...The Smokies outscored Greenville 20-3 during the four game series...The G-Braves get a day off Thursday before hitting the road for six games beginning with a three game series Friday at Tennessee...Right hander Nick Stocks (4-4; 4.68) will take the hill for the Smokies and the G-Braves will counter with right hander Bubba Nelson (6-6; 3.17)...Greenville returns home Friday, July 4 for a three game series against Tennessee.

Check out the Mississippi Braves Statistics

• Discuss this story on the Southern League message board...

Southern League Stories from June 25, 2003


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central