
Braves offense struggles in series finale
August 3, 2019 - South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Rome Emperors News Release
HAGERSTOWN, MD - Rome's struggles to hit with runners in scoring position continued on Friday night as Hagerstown won the rubber game 4-2 and handed the Braves a series defeat.
Rome got solid pitching from right-handers William Woods and Ryan Shetter but endured an offensive drought for most of the game, getting only one hit between the 2nd and 8th innings.
The Braves started quickly in the 1st against Suns starting pitcher RHP Joan Adon as Justin Dean singled, stole second base and then scored on an RBI single from Braden Shewmake. The Braves threatened for more in the frame but a sharply hit line drive was converted into a double play.
Suns slugger Drew Mendoza immediately flipped the score on a two run homer to right center field off Woods in the Bottom of the 1st to give Hagerstown a 2-1 lead. Rome would respond in the 4th inning on a solo homer from Greg Cullen out to right field to tie the game at 2-2.
Things were tight throughout but the Suns got a pair of unearned runs thanks to a trio of Rome errors, all of which led directly to runs and provided the winning margin.
Trailing 4-2 and down to their final out the Braves pushed back. Griffin Benson and Jose Bermudez ripped consecutive singles. Brendan Venter worked a four pitch walk to load the bases and put the tying run in scoring position, but a fly ball to right ended the game and the series.
Rome finished the three game set going 4 for 29 with runners in scoring position.
Dean was 1-2 with a walk, a stolen base and was hit by a pitch. Cullen was 1-4 with a solo homer. Shewmake went 1-2 with an RBI. Making his second start of the season, Woods fired 4 innings and allowed three runs, two earned, on four hits. He struck out two and walked two. Shetter pitched 4 innings and allowed one run, which was unearned, on four hits. He struck out one and did not issue a walk.
Rome continues its road trip with a four game series in West Virginia. Game 1 between the Braves and Power is scheduled for 6:05 pm Saturday evening from Appalachian Power Park.
Rome Braves (20-21, 50-60): 2 R 6 H 3 E
Hagerstown Suns (20-20, 50-60): 4 R 8 H 0 E
W: Joan Adon (10-3)
L: William Woods (0-4)
S: Chandler Day (1)
Time: 2:21
Attendance: 527
South Atlantic League Stories from August 3, 2019
- Greensboro Tops Greenville, 7-2, in Series Opener - Greenville Drive
- Extra Inning Drama Capped off with 3-2 Victory - Kannapolis Cannon Ballers
- Hickory Comes Back to Beat Pimento Cheese in Extras - Augusta GreenJackets
- 'Birds Drop Opener in Charleston - Delmarva Shorebirds
- Gasper's Career Night Propels Boiled Peanuts to Series-Opening Win - Charleston RiverDogs
- Tourists Show Fight as Win Streak Comes to an End - Asheville Tourists
- Matos Slams Two Homers, Claws Win 10-6 - Jersey Shore BlueClaws
- Sweet's Quality Start, Potent Offense Lead to 7-2 Win - Charleston Dirty Birds
- Suns Game Suspended Saturday - Hagerstown Suns
- Fireflies Have Game Interrupted by Rain...Again - Columbia Fireflies
- Fireflies Roster Move and Game Notes: August 3 at Hagerstown (Game 108) - Columbia Fireflies
- Hagerstown Suns: Game Notes - Hagerstown Suns
- Game Notes (August 3) - Charleston Dirty Birds
- Braves offense struggles in series finale - Rome Emperors
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.
Other Recent Rome Emperors Stories
- Three Greenville Home Runs Cement 7-3 Win over Rome
- CDG's Five Scoreless, Hitless Innings Crowns him SAL Pitcher of the Week
- Emperors' No-Hit Bid Falls One out Short on Sunday
- Tourists Bombard Frey with Extra-Base Hits, Take Game Three 5-2
- Offensive Hangover Hits: Emperors Sluggish After Tuesday Win

