Bullpen Buoys Braves to Victory
July 14, 2012 - Appalachian League (ApL)
Danville Otterbots News Release
DANVILLE, Va. - Entering tonight's game, Pulaski Mariners starter Blake Holovach hadn't allowed an earned run all season. But the D-Braves broke that streak Saturday night. The Braves scored two runs on seven hits to defeat the Mariners 2-1 in the first game of this three game series at American Legion Post 325 Field.
It was the Mariners that opened the scoring, though. First baseman Jordy Lara hit a broken-bat single to lead off the M's fourth. Lara went to second on right fielder Phillips Castillo's single. Leaning, Lara got a good jump on Braves reliever Rafael Briceno and nabbed third base. He advanced home on an errant throw by catcher Josh Elander.
Elander couldn't get a grip on the ball, which was high and tight, but threw it down the line anyways, which sailed over the glove of third baseman Carlos Franco and fell to the outfield grass for a one-run error.
In the fifth inning, after stranding five runners in the first four frames, the Braves got on and ahead in the scoreboard. Shortstop Ronald Luna hit a comebacker to Holovach, the 13th hit in his last 25 at-bats. The Braves avoided the double play ball on a hit-and-run by Luna and second baseman Levi Hyams. Franco drew a walk and Elander singled him into scoring position and Luna home to tie it at one all. Right fielder Felix Marte knocked Franco in to cap the two-run fifth and put the Braves out in front, 2-1.
The Mariners worked Braves starter Lucas Sims for a 20 and 21 pitch first and second inning. Sims worked 2 1/3 scoreless innings with one walk and two strikeouts. Converted starter Briceno (2-1) worked 3 1/3 innings out of the bullpen and qualified for the win. Holovach (0-1) pitched 4 2/3 and allowed two runs (both earned) on four hits and suffered the loss, his first of the season. Jeremy Fitzgerald threw a scoreless 9th inning to earn his first save as a Danville Brave.
The Braves and Mariners play game two of this three-game series tomorrow at ALP 325 Field, a 4:00 p.m. Sunday matinee. Gates will open at 3:00 p.m. Ernesto Silva will go for his fifth "Quality Start" in as many games. The M's will counter with rightie Jochi Ogando.
Tickets can be purchased by calling the Ticket Office at (434) 797-3792 or in-person at the ALP 325 Field Box Office (Mon. - Fri., 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.).
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Appalachian League Stories from July 14, 2012
- Bullpen Buoys Braves to Victory - Danville Otterbots
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