Biscuits edge Braves in 6-5 thriller, take 1-0 series lead
Published on September 6, 2007 under Southern League (SL1)
Montgomery Biscuits News Release
PEARL, Miss. -- Reid Brignac bounced a two-out tie-breaking RBI single into right field in the top of the ninth inning, lifting the Montgomery Biscuits to a 6-5 victory over the host Mississippi Braves in the opening game of the best-of-five Southern League's South Divisional Championship Series.
Braves reliever Michael Nix (0-1) entered the ninth inning having worked three perfect frames to maintain the 5-5 tie. But Josh Arhart crushed a leadoff double to left, breaking the spell. Erold Andrus sacrificed pinch-runner Patrick Breen to third and the Braves chose intentionally walk Fernando Perez. Josh Asanovich popped out a safety-squeeze attempt for the second out, bringing up the Biscuits' 21-year-old shortstop. Brignac promptly chopped a Nix offering past diving first baseman Chad Lundahl as Breen raced home with the go-ahead run.
Tim Corcoran worked the bottom of the ninth in scoreless fashion, though not without butterflies. After a Clint Sammons strikeout, J.C. Holt picked up his second double and fourth hit of the game with a line drive into the left field corner. With the potential game-tying run in scoring position, Corcoran bore down and whiffed both Carl Loadenthal and Diory Hernandez to preserve the victory.
The performance from the veteran righthander finished off a four-man relief effort for Montgomery that combined for five scoreless innings after an uneven performance from starter Wade Davis.
Davis lasted only four innings, allowing five runs on six hits and two walks while striking out six. Richard De Los Santos kept Mississippi off of the scoreboard for two frames, followed by one inning apiece from Brian Henderson, Evan Meek and finally Corcoran. Meek (1-0) spun a scoreless eighth to earn the victory.
Brignac led the offensive showing for Montgomery with a 2-for-5, 3-RBI evening, including a two-run double in a three-run first inning against reliever Brad Nelson.
Only four pitches into the top of the first, Braves starter Ryan Baerlocher left the game due to injury. He yielded to Brad Nelson, who allowed a two-run double to Brignac to touch off a three-run rally.
The Biscuits' early cushion did not last long, deflated by Davis' struggles.
In the winning effort for Montgomery, Asanovich went 2-for-4 with three runs scored and a solo home run.
The second game of the series will be held on Friday night at 7:05 p.m. CST at Trustmark Park. Lefthander Jake McGee (3-2, 4.24) will toe the rubber for the Biscuits, opposed by Braves righthander Charlie Morton (4-6, 4.29).
Southern League Stories from September 6, 2007
- Biscuits edge Braves in 6-5 thriller, take 1-0 series lead - Montgomery Biscuits
- Smokies Grab Game One, 6-3 - Knoxville Smokies
- Brignac Delivers Biscuits in SLDS Game One - Mississippi Braves
- Stars Fall in Playoff Opener - Huntsville Stars
- Biscuits unveil playoff roster - Montgomery Biscuits
- Mobile BayBears 2007 Season Recap - Mobile BayBears
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.
