SL1 Mississippi Braves

Big Inning Bites M-Braves Again on Thursday

Published on May 4, 2018 under Southern League (SL1)
Mississippi Braves News Release


Pensacola, FL - The Pensacola Blue Wahoos scored five runs in the sixth inning on Thursday and won their second straight over the Braves 7-1.

For the second consecutive night, the M-Braves (11-16) struck first with a first-inning run. Alay Lago drew a one-out walk and then advanced to second as Austin Riley reached on an error. Tyler Neslony worked an eight-pitch at-bat against Keury Mella that resulted in a single to right, scoring Lago. Mella entered the night with a league-leading 1.00 ERA.

The Braves held the 1-0 lead until the Blue Wahoos tallied a run in the third inning. Mella started the rally with his eighth professional hit, and Nick Longhi would eventually single home C.J. McElroy to tie the game at 1-1.

The five-run inning on Wednesday night was the seventh, on Thursday, it was the sixth. A total of ten batters came to the plate against three M-Braves pitchers. Starter Michael Mader (1-1) was lifted after surrendering a single and walk. Reliever Corbin Clouse was summoned from the bullpen by manager Chris Maloney and struck out Aristides Aquino for the first out of the inning. After an intentional walk was issued to Taylor Sparks, Wahoos catcher Chadwick Tromp sent a two-run double down the left field line to give Pensacola a 3-1 advantage. Two batters later, McElroy singled home Sparks, and then a bases-loaded walk to Shed Long increased their advantage to 5-1. Devan Watts replaced Clouse on the mound, and Brian O'Grady hit a sacrifice fly to center to finish the scoring.

Long added his first home run of the season in the eighth inning for extra insurance to make the final score 7-1.

Despite the loss, Mader pitched a season-high five-plus innings, allowing three runs on five hits while walking three and striking out three. Thursday's outing was his longest since September 2016.

Pensacola reliever Robinson Layer (2-1) picked up the win, and Jose Rafael De Paula (1) earned a three-inning save.

Friday night will be game three of the five-game road series at Pensacola with first pitch set for 6:35 pm CT. RHPTouki Toussaint (1-1, 4.44) will face off against RHP Jesus Reyes (3-0, 0-4, 5.06). Fans can catch all of the M-Braves road action by tuning into WYAB 103.9 FM, or by using the free TuneIn Radio app.

The M-Braves will return to Trustmark Park for a five-game homestand against the Mobile BayBears, Monday, May 7 through Friday, May 11. Tickets may be purchased online at mississippibraves.com/tickets or by calling 888-BRAVES4.

The Mississippi Braves are the Double-A affiliate of the Atlanta Braves. Since the inaugural 2005 season, over 125 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 4, 2018


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.

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