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IL1 Gwinnett Stripers

Braves Drop Series Opener

July 12, 2007 - International League (IL1)
Gwinnett Stripers News Release


Toledo, OH - The Toledo Mud Hens rode the long-ball to defeat the Richmond Braves 4-3, in the battle of two first-place clubs. The Mud Hens, who sit atop the International League's West Division, improved to 53-39. The Braves, who lead the South Division, dropped to 49-39 on the season.

The Braves scored two runs in the second inning to take an early 2-0 lead. Brayan Pena and Larry Bigbie led-off the frame with back-to-back doubles. Pena scored on the two-bagger by Bigbie. Doug Clark then singled home Bigbie, to give the Braves a 2-0 advantage.

Toledo center fielder Brent Clevlen tied the game at two with a two-run run blast to centerfield. Clevlen hit, what was his second homer in just his third game back from a rehab assignment in the Gulf Coast League. Chris Shelton, who reached earlier in the inning with his one-out walk, was plated on the home run.

Then, with one out in the fourth inning, the Mud Hens took a 4-2 advantage on back-to-back home runs. Mike Hessman connected for his league-leading 27th home run and Brent Clevlen connected for his second home run of the game. The two long-balls gave Toledo a two-run lead.

The Braves scored a third run in the eighth inning to make it a one-run game. But the Mud Hens pushed their lead back to two with a run of their own, in the bottom of the eighth.

Braves' starter Kevin Barry allowed four earned runs in five innings of work. He gave up three home runs for the second time this season. Barry dropped the decision and fell to 4-4 with a 3.91 ERA. Ryan Baerlocher, who was the probable for Friday's contest, made his first relief appearance of the season. He came out of the bullpen and pitched one and one-third scoreless innings. Will Startup pitched one inning and Rich Scalamandre retired the last two Mud Hens in the series opener.

Doug Clark and Brayan Pena were each 2-for-4 in the game. Larry Bigbie and Brayan Pena each recorded a RBI in the loss. The Mud Hens were led by Brent Clevlen, who finished 2-for-3 with a pair of homers and three RBI.

Toledo starter Virgil Vasquez held the Braves to two runs on just six hits in seven-strong innings. Vasquez picked up his eighth win of the season and improved to 8-3 with a 4.15 ERA. Vic Darensbourg allowed one earned run in his one inning of relief. Toledo reliever, Aquilino Lopez struck out the side in ninth, to earn his 15th save of the season.

The Braves battle Toledo in the second and final game of the two-game set on Friday. Richmond has not announced a starter for the contest. The Mud Hens plan to start right-hander Yorman Bazardo (7-3, 3.44 ERA). First pitch on Friday is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. The Braves and Mud Hens go head-to-head 10 times in July.

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