SAL1 Rome Emperors

Braves Make Quick Work of Crawdads 3-2

Published on July 28, 2006 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Rome Emperors News Release


Rome, GA - The Rome Braves only needed an hour and forty-nine minutes to defeat the Hickory Crawdads 3-2 in front of 3,520 fans in the fastest game in State Mutual Stadium history.

Just like the pace of the game, the Crawdads scored quickly in the top of the second inning as Mike McCuistion led off the inning with a single. A hit batsman and then a double play moved McCustion to third and Steve Lerud reached after getting hit by a pitch to put runners on the corners. Lerud would steal second and John Santiago would deliver a two out single up the middle that plated both runners giving Hickory an early 2-0 lead.

Rome would answer promptly in the bottom half of the inning as Jordan Schafer lead off the inning with an infield single. A fielding error by Crawdads third baseman Eddie Prasch and a single by Manny Rodriguez would load the bases for the Braves before shortstop Jamie Trejo lifted a sacrifice fly to left allowing Schafer to cross the plate cutting Rome's deficit to 2-1.

Rome would tie the game in the bottom of the fourth, as Schafer would once again reach on a single to start off the Braves scoring attack. First baseman Josh Morris then scorched a double into the gap in right center field enabling Schafer score all the way from first base and tie the score at two apiece. The Braves would take the lead and the game in the bottom of the sixth as Jamie Romak led off the inning with a double down the left field line and Morris delivered a double of his own over the left fielder's head giving the Braves the lead and the eventual victory 3-2.

Rome starter Jairo Cuevas (5-8) earned the win going seven strong innings and only allowing two earned runs in a quality start for the Braves. Crawdads starting pitcher Luis Valdez (5-4) was charged with the loss despite a strong performance in which he pitched a complete game and gave up three runs only two of which were earned. Reliever Jake Stevens pitched a perfect eighth and ninth innings to shut the door on Hickory and earn his second save of the year.

Rome and Hickory play game two of their four game set tomorrow at 7pm at State Mutual Stadium. The first 1,000 fans entering the gates tomorrow will receive a bobble head doll of the Rome Braves new mascot Roxie presented by the U.S. Army and the Rome News Tribune. For ticket information call 706-378-5144 or log on to www.romebraves.com.

Roster Moves: Pitcher Brad Nelson has been sent to Myrtle Beach of the Carolina League. Nelson was 1-0 with a 0.69 ERA in 10 appearances for Rome this season. Additionally infielder Jose Santos has been sent to Danville of the Appalachian League. Santos was hitting .182 in limited playing time with Rome. Infielders Eric Campbell and Elvis Andrus have been activated from the disabled list.

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South Atlantic League Stories from July 28, 2006


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