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IL1 Gwinnett Stripers

Bullpen Falters Again as G-Braves Lose to Clippers, 7-1

April 23, 2016 - International League (IL1)
Gwinnett Stripers News Release


COLUMBUS, OH - Despite a fine first Triple-A outing from former Brookwood High School star Lucas Sims, the Gwinnett Braves (10-7) dropped their fourth straight game with a 7-1 loss to the Columbus Clippers (8-7) on Saturday night at Huntington Park.

Sims (L, 0-1) was tagged with the loss, but pitched well in his first game since being called up from Double-A Mississippi. The Gwinnett County native pitched 5.0 innings and allowed two runs on three hits, walked four and struck out five. He exited the game trailing 2-1.

The G-Braves took a 1-0 lead in the fourth inning as Matt Tuiasosopo drilled the first pitch from Columbus starter Ryan Merritt deep over the wall in right-center. It was Tuiasosopo's team-leading fourth home run of the season.

Sims, who had not allowed a hit through the first three innings, walked Jesus Aguilar with one out in the bottom of the fourth and then gave up a two-out, two-run home run to Robbie Grossman to surrender the lead. Sims pitched a scoreless bottom of the fifth to finish his night.

But once Gwinnett went to the bullpen, the game got out of hand. Danny Burawa began the sixth and immediately walked Grossman, allowed a single to Giovanni Urshela and walked Eric Gonzalez to load the bases with no outs. Adam Moore rolled a single to right scoring Grossman for a 3-1 Columbus lead, and Burawa walked Anthony Recker to push across Urshela, raising the lead to 4-1.

Rob Wooten was called in from the bullpen and, after retiring the first batter he faced, he allowed a sacrifice fly to Michael Brantley to make it 5-1. Aguilar followed with a pop-up in the infield that Wooten misplayed allowing another run to cross. The error by Wooten opened the door for Joey Butler to drive an RBI single to right for a 7-1 Clippers' lead.

Burawa did not record an out while allowing five runs (three earned) on two hits and three walks. Wooten went 2.0 innings with one hit and two strikeouts. Jose Ramirez pitched 1.0 inning with a walk and a strikeout.

Merritt (W, 1-2) tossed 6.0 innings for the Clippers, yielding a run on five hits while walking one and striking out four. Tommy Hunter pitched 1.0 scoreless, hitless inning and Josh Martin added 2.0 innings with one walk and three strikeouts.

Tuiasosopo went 2-for-4 with the homer and his 10th RBI of the season for Gwinnett.

For the Clippers, Urshela was 2-for-4 with a run scored and Grossman was 1-for-2 with the homer and two RBIs.

The G-Braves and Clippers continue the three-game series on Sunday afternoon at Huntington Park. Right-hander Mike Foltynewicz (1-1, 3.00 ERA) will start for Gwinnett, while Columbus will counter with right-hander Will Roberts (1-1, 3.48 ERA). First pitch is set for 1:05 p.m. Tony Schiavone has the play-by-play call at 12:35 p.m. on 97.7 FM and WSBRadio.com.

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International League Stories from April 23, 2016


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