SL1 Mississippi Braves

Blue Wahoos Spoil Zimmermann's Stellar Debut with 3-2 Walk-Off Win over M-Braves

Published on June 29, 2018 under Southern League (SL1)
Mississippi Braves News Release


PENSACOLA, FL - Bruce Zimmermann struck out 10 over 6.1 innings in his Double-A debut Friday night, but Pensacola (6-2, 36-40) came from behind again and walked off with a 3-2 win over the M-Braves (3-5, 32-46) at Blue Wahoos Stadium. The left-hander now ranks second in all of Minor League Baseball with 109 strikeouts between two levels this season, just one behind the overall leader.

After a 1 hour, 2-minute rain delay to start the game and scoreless first inning, the M-Braves and the Blue Wahoos exchanged solo home runs in the second inning. Braves' left fielder Travis Demeritte smacked one over the wall in left-center field in the top of the second inning and then in the bottom half, Blue Wahoos third baseman Mitch Nay hit his first Double-A home run to tie the game at 1-1. Demeritte's long ball was his seventh on the season.

Zimmermann retired the next six straight batters after the home run - four via strikeout - and did not allow a run over the rest of his outing.

The M-Braves cracked the scoreboard again in the sixth inning against Blue Wahoos starter Wyatt Strahan. Connor Lien started the inning with a double and was sacrificed to third by Luis Marte. Lien scored on a single to right by Tyler Neslony and it was 2-1 M-Braves.

Zimmermann went back out for the seventh inning and Aristides Aquino started the frame with a double. Taylor Sparks moved the tying run to third base with a sacrifice bunt. Zimmermann walked Chris Okey and M-Braves manager Chris Maloney went to his bullpen. Chad Sobotka came on and struck out pinch-hitter Narciso Crook and induced a fly out from T.J. Friedl.

Zimmermann, Atlanta's fifth-round pick in 2017, finished his first Double-A start with 10 strikeouts and three walks over 6.1 innings, scattering four hits and just one run in the no-decision. His double-digit strikeout performance was the fourth of the season and one shy of his career high.

Corbin Clouse (L, 2-1) took over for Sobotka in the bottom of the ninth inning and allowed a leadoff double to Okey to start the frame. After a strikeout of pinch-hitter Keury Mella, Friedl singled to left pushing the game-winning run to third. Jose Siri elevated a fly ball deep enough to left letting Okey score to hand Pensacola a 3-2 win.

Pensacola reliever Alejandro Chacin (W, 1-1) pitched 2.0 scoreless innings to secure the win, which was the sixth in a row for the Blue Wahoos. Their starter, Strahan tossed 7.0 innings of two-run baseball in a no-decision.

Marte saw his nine-game hitting streak come to an end after a 0-for-2 performance but extended his on-base streak to 10 games with a walk. The M-Braves have dropped four straight.

The M-Braves and Blue Wahoos will play game three of the six-game series on Saturday night at Blue Wahoos Stadium. RHP Touki Toussaint (4-6, 3.19) makes the start for the M-Braves against Pensacola LHP Seth Varner (4-0, 2.61). First pitch is set for 6:35 pm with coverage beginning at 6:20 pm on 103.9 WYAB. Fans can also listen for free on the TuneIn Radio App.

The M-Braves return to Trustmark Park on Wednesday, July 4 for a Supersized Independence Day Fireworks Show. For tickets or more information fans can visit mississippibraves.com or call 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 June 29, 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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