Braves earn walk-off win
Published on July 31, 2008 under Appalachian League (ApL)
Danville Otterbots News Release
DANVILLE, VA- L.V. Ware hit a one-out triple in the ninth inning and Mike Elkerson drove him in with a bloop single to left field that gave the D-Braves a 4-3 walk-off win vs. the Pulaski Mariners Wednesday night at American Legion Post 325 Field.
The win marks the first walk-off win of the season for Danville, who takes the first game of a six-game series versus the Mariners. Danville (23-19) moves within 2.5 games back of Pulaski (25-16) in the Eastern Division with the victory.
With the teams knotted up at three runs apiece heading into the ninth, the D-Braves were able to find some late-evening heroics against Pulaski closer Blake Nation (L, 0-1). After Chris Shehan grounded out to begin the inning, Ware hit a flair down the first-base line that went fair by just inches for the third Danville triple of the game. Jesus Sucre had a chance to drive Ware in from third, but scorched a line-drive directly to Pulaski second-baseman George Soto.
In stepped Mike Elkerson, who was starting his first game in a week. Elkerson immediately made his case for more playing time evident- hitting a flair single to left field that dropped beyond the diving arms of Pulaski left-fielder Deybis Benitez to give Danville the victory.
Elkerson's hit ended a long night at the ballpark, as the teams played through a one hour and 31-minute rain delay in the top of the fourth inning.
Braves' closer Matthew Small (1-1) picked up the win for Danville, pitching a scoreless ninth inning. The Braves employed four pitchers on the night due to the rain delay. Angelo Paulino started the contest for Danville and pitched three innings, surrendering an earned run on three hits. Brandon Beachey and Adam Bullard anchored some valuable relief-duty on the evening, as well.
Lead-off batter Joel Campusano had two triples in tonight's game, which marks the first time a Braves' player has had more than one triple in a game this season. L.V. Ware also added a two-hit game for Danville, who tied Pulaski with seven hits on the night.
The Mariners drew first-blood in the third inning on a Gabriel Noriega triple to right field that scored George Soto from first base, and gave Pulaski an early 1-0 lead.
It wouldn't take long for Danville to respond though, as they put up two runs in the bottom of the third on a two-run triple by Campusano. After L.V. Ware struck out to begin the frame, Mariners shortstop Gabriel Noriega misplayed a hard-hit groundball from Jesus Sucre for an error that allowed Sucre to reach safely. Mike Elkerson then drew a walk to put two baserunners on with one out. With Joel Campusano up to the plate for Danville, a wild pitch by Fabian Williamson moved the runners to second and third. Campusano then roped a screamer to center field that brought in two runs and gave Danville a 2-1 lead.
In the top of the fourth inning with one away, heavy rain crashed down upon American Legion Post 325 Field, causing a one-hour and 31 minute rain delay.
Pulaski got even in the sixth inning with Tommy Johnson hit a slow chopper to third-baseman Jon Gilmore that scored Juan Fentes from third base.
Both teams added one run in the seventh inning. Danville got their run on a Mike Elkerson sac fly to center-field that brought in L.V. Ware from third base to tie the game at 3-3.
Danville and Pulaski will play game-two of their series Thursday night. The Braves will send Rocky Mount, Va. native Casey Hodges to the hill. He will oppose Mariners' right-hander Taylor Lewis.
The Braves will be having "Thirsty Thursday" sponsored by Back to Bogie's with discounted draft and fountain drinks.
NOTES: Braves catcher Matt Kennelly and Braves' reliever Craig Kimbrel were sent to Single-A Rome late Wednesday evening. Kennelly had just returned on Monday from a week-long stint in Rome, but was again promoted following injuries to catchers Chris Anderson and Benji Johnson. He was hitting .239 for Danville. Kimbrel, the Braves third-round draft pick in June's draft, was beginning to distinguish himself in the role as closer and one of the Brave's most reliable bullpen arms. He had a miniscule 0.47 ERA and his six saves were good for second in the Appy League.
The Braves got back reliever Matt Timms, who had spent a three-week stint in Rome.
Appalachian League Stories from July 31, 2008
- Braves rally again, but drop game two - Danville Otterbots
- D-Braves To Set Up Speed Pitch Wed. at Danville Science Center - Danville Otterbots
- Braves earn walk-off win - Danville Otterbots
- Braves re-schedule baseball camp - Danville Otterbots
- Runge Moves into fifth on All-Time Appy Win List - Danville Otterbots
- D-Braves Re-Schedule Baseball Camp For August 12 - Danville Otterbots
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