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SL1 Mississippi Braves

Bullpen Strong in Friday Night Loss to Tennessee

August 2, 2019 - Southern League (SL1)
Mississippi Braves News Release


PEARL, MS - The Mississippi Braves (20-21, 53-57) loaded the bases with two outs in the ninth inning on Friday night, but could not cash in, dropping their second-straight game to the Tennessee Smokies (15-27, 48-63), 2-1. The M-Braves drew 5,622 fans on Friday night at Trustmark Park and are now just 9,310 away from 3 million all-time.

Trailing by a run entering the bottom of the ninth, Drew Waters led off against Bailey Clark (S, 4) with a single to put the tying run on base. After a pop-out by Cristian Pache, Ryan Casteel and Greyson Jenista followed with back-to-back singles. Waters was held at third base on Jenista's single, but Casteel was caught in a run-down and eventually tagged out for the second out of the inning. C.J. Alexander battled in a six-pitch at-bat against Clark but eventually went down on strikes for the final out.

M-Braves starter Kyle Muller's team-leading 22nd start was cut short after suffering a leg injury after just three pitches. The bullpen was thrust into action again on Friday night after Kurt Hoekstra made a spot start on Thursday in place of the traded Joey Wentz. Connor Johnstone (L, 4-2) did yeoman's work over 4.0 innings, ceding just two runs, one earned, on six hits with two walks and one strikeout.

Tennessee struck first against Johnstone in the second inning on a Johnstone wild pitch, allowing Charcer Burks to score. Burks reached on a walk, then stole second base and moved to third on a throwing error. The Smokies increased the lead to 2-0 in the third inning on an RBI single by Cubs top prospect Nico Hoerner.

Mississippi finally got to Tennessee starter Cory Abbott (W, 6-7) in the sixth inning. Daniel Lockhart (3) smashed a line-drive home run down the right-field line to start the inning and pull the M-Braves with a run at 2-1. Lockhart has hit all three of his home runs this season in his last five games.

Jonathan Aro took over for Johnstone in the fifth inning and ended up working 3.0 shutout innings on three hits, walking two and striking out one. Bradley Roney took the baton from Aro and posted his sixth-straight scoreless outing, striking out four and walking two over 2.0 no-hit frames. Roney has seven strikeouts over his last two appearances and 3.0 innings of relief.

The M-Braves stranded six on base overall on Friday night and went 1-for-6 with runners in scoring postion. Ray-Patrick Didder was 2-for-4 and stole two more bases, pushing his team-leading total to 19 for the season. Lockhart added the other multi-hit game for the Braves, finishing 2-for-3.

Game three of the five-game series against the Smokies is on Saturday at Trustmark Park. Southern League ERA leader LHP Tucker Davidson (6-6, 2.15) starts for the M-Braves against RHP Erich Uelmen (0-0, --). First pitch is scheduled for 6:05 pm CT with coverage beginning at 5:50 pm on 103.9 FM, First Pitch App.and TuneIn Radio. The game will also be streamed on MiLB.tv (subscription required).

Thursday's Promotions:

Country Western Night - Howdy Partner! Boot Barn presents a Country Western Theme all night and then cap the night with a Country Western Fireworks Extravaganza!

Largest Post-Game Fireworks Show in M-Braves History - A Post-Game Fireworks Mega Show will light up the sky above Trustmark Park to a Country Music theme. This Mega Show will be the largest and longest in M-Braves history!

Chick-fil-A Family 4 Pack - Get (4) Home Plate, Dugout, or Field Level Tickets and (4) complimentary Chick-fil-A meal coupons with purchase of this ticket plan!

Joe Torre Safe at Home Foundation Initiative - The Braves have teamed up with Joe Torre's Joe Torre Safe and Home Foundation to end the cycle of domestic violence and the first 500 fans will receive a Topps Card Set featuring Torre and we are auctioning off Braves items during the game to benefit the foundation.

Visit mississippibraves.com for tickets or call 888-BRAVES4.

The Mississippi Braves are the Double-A affiliate of the Atlanta Braves. Since the inaugural 2005 season, 145 M-Braves have gone on to Major League Baseball. The M-Braves have made postseason play four times and went on to win the Southern League Championship in 2008. Stop by Trustmark Park or call 888-BRAVES4 Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. For the latest news and updates, visit mississippibraves.com or connect with @mbraves on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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