Braves homers down Gnats, 5-4
Published on April 24, 2008 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Savannah Sand Gnats News Release
SAVANNAH, Ga. - The Rome Braves used three home runs, including a solo shot in the eighth from Freddie Freeman that gave the Braves a 5-4 win at Historic Grayson Stadium on Thursday night.
Savannah led 1-0 in the sixth when Samuel Sime hit the first pitch from Michael Antonini out to left to tie the game. After Michael Fisher reached on an error by Greg Veloz, Jason Heyward singled to right. Next, Cody Johnson hit a deep home run to center field to give Rome a 4-1 lead.
Savannah rallied in the seventh when Brandon Kawal led off with a double down the right-field line off Braves reliever Yeliar Castro. After a wild pitch, Daniel Stegall earned a base on balls to put runners on the corners. After Veloz popped out, Matt Bouchard tripled to the gap in right-center to pull the Gnats within a run. With Jordan Abruzzo batting, the Gnats tied the game when Braves catcher Javier Dominguez allowed a passed ball that scored Bouchard from third.
Gnats reliever Edgar Ramirez (2-1) retired the first two Rome hitters in the eighth before Freeman took him deep to right for the deciding run. Ramirez was charged with the loss.
Lost in the home run barrage were two strong outings from the starters. Savannah's Michael Antonini cruised through the first five innings, allowing just 2 hits and no runs. His final line was 5.2 innings, 6 hits, 4 runs (3 earned), and 6 strikeouts. Jose Ortegano went 6.0 innings, allowing 5 hits and 1 run while striking out 8 for Rome.
Benino Pruneda (1-1) pitched a scoreless final 2.1 innings to earn the win for Rome.
The Braves and Sand Gnats square off again Friday night at 7 p.m. when Savannah's Maikel Cleto (0-0, 3.60) faces Jeffrey Locke (0-2, 7.50) of the Braves. Postgame fireworks follow the game courtesy of KIX 96. For tickets and more information, visit www.sandgants.com.
South Atlantic League Stories from April 24, 2008
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- Shorebirds and United Way Team Up for a "Carnival of Caring Day" - Delmarva Shorebirds
- Rome Braves Make Roster Moves - Rome Emperors
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