D-Braves Split Doubleheader, 12-1 & 12-1
Published on July 12, 2012 under Appalachian League (ApL)
Danville Otterbots News Release
DANVILLE, Va. - The Danville Braves split their first twin billing of the season, 12-1 and 12-1, Thursday night against the Princeton Rays at American Legion Post 325 Field.
GAME I:
The Princeton Rays drew first blood in their very first hacks. Center fielder Alvin Toles singled to left and second baseman Reid Redman knocked him in on a hit-and-run double to open the scoring, 1-0. Third baseman Carlos Franco wasn't able to cleanly field a groundball, which allowed right fielder Ariel Soriano to reach base. With men at first and second, D-Braves starter Eduardo Castillo induced the 6-4-3 double play ball to end the scoring threat.
Catcher Oscar Hernandez deflected a ball off the glove of shortstop Ronald Luna to lead off the inning. Hernandez then reached second on a bunt-single by first baseman John Alexander. The Rays got their third consecutive single of the inning from designated hitter Chad Nacapoy, which loaded the bases. With nobody out and the table set, Castillo pitched his way out of the jam. He struck-out left fielder James Harris, Jr., got a fielder's choice from shortstop Brandon Martin, and a shoestring catch from right fielder Felix Marte.
In the third inning, Redman reached on a bunt-single and teamed-up with Soriano to advance all the way to third on a perfectly executed hit-and-run. With men at first and third, Soriano stole second to take away the double play ball and give the Rays their league-leading 37th stolen base of the season. Third baseman Daniel Duran singled to D-Braves shortstop Ronald Luna, but the ball grazed his glove and fell to the grass for a two-base error, which scored Redman and Soriano. Hernandez then hit his second single of the game and Alexander drew a walk to again load the bases, the second time in three Rays' at-bats. Left fielder James Harris, Jr. worked an RBI walk, and, with the bases still loaded, the D-Braves lifted Castillo in favor of lefty Matt Talley.
But control problems plagued Talley as well and he walked home the first and second batters he faced. The slugfest continued when Redman collected his third hit of the game, a two-run single, which made it 8-0. The Braves went back to the bullpen after Soriano cracked a two-run triple and the Rays batted around for a 10 run third inning before adding one more in the fifth.
Left fielder Kurt Fleming hit an RBI single in the Braves last at-bats to break the deadlock, but the rally fell far short.
The Braves bats were stymied by Rays starter Kevin James (1-1). The southpaw threw 5.0 scoreless innings of four-hit ball and recorded two strikeouts to earn his first win of the season. Castillo (1-3) labored through
2 1/3 innings and allowed seven runs (all earned) on nine hits to suffer his third loss of the season.
GAME II:
The D-Braves dormant bats woke up for the nightcap and scored four runs on four hits in their first at-bats. Second baseman Ronald Luna was the first to get aboard. Luna lined a ball to a diving Willie Argo, but Argo couldn't pick it cleanly. Designated hitter Carlos Franco then hit a two-run tape measure shot, this one well out of reach of Argo, to open the scoring. But the Braves weren't done yet. Left fielder Edison Sanchez slapped a single to left and first baseman Casey Kalenkosky drew a walk. With men at first and second, catcher Nick De Santiago doubled them in to cap the Braves four run first.
The Braves added an insurance run in the third. Sanchez cracked his second single of the game and legged his way to third on the second consecutive single of the inning. Sanchez then scored on a groundball double play to pad the lead, 5-0.
In the sixth, the Braves batted around and blew the lid off the game. De Santiago doubled for the second time. Third baseman Trenton Moses drew a walk before center fielder Logan Robbins singled De Santiago home and Moses to second. Shortstop Eric Garcia loaded the bases with a single. With nobody out and the bases loaded, Luna laced a single, his third of the game, to score Moses and make it 7-1. The team then tacked on five more runs on four consecutive singles, a bases clearing triple, and a sacrifice fly.
After 65 pitches, the Braves chased Rays starter Ely Echarry. He went 3.0 innings and allowed five runs (all earned) on six hits. After second baseman Julian Morillo scored off D-Braves starter Frank LaFreniere, the D-Braves turned to their bullpen. LaFreniere (3-0) pitched 5 2/3 innings and allowed one run (earned) on six hits (all singles) and is credited with the win. He faced the minimum number of batters through 4.0 innings of work and is the only pitcher on the starting staff to remain undefeated.
These two teams have split the first two games of the series and will square off tomorrow night in the rubber match game. Williams Perez (2-0) will get the nod for the D-Braves. The converted starter will get his second start of the season. The Rays will send Jacob Faria to the mound (1-1).
Tomorrow is Military Appreciation Night. The D-Braves will welcome WWE Hall of Fame inductee and G.I. Joe Sgt. Slaughter to the game. For the first time ever, the team will wear a unique camouflage jersey design and hold an in-game silent auction. Fans can bid on a chance to win a game-worn jersey directly off the player's back!
All military personnel and dependents, both active and retired, will receive a free ticket for the game. Tickets for any D-Braves game may be purchased in-person at the ALP 325 Field Box Office, by phone at (434) 797-3792, or on-line at www.dbraves.com.
Appalachian League Stories from July 12, 2012
- Pulaski notches 11th victory - Pulaski Mariners
- Twins bounce back to defeat Astros - Greeneville Astros
- D-Braves Split Doubleheader, 12-1 & 12-1 - Danville Otterbots
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