D-Braves Still Chasing Playoffs, Defeat Blue Jays 6-3
August 27, 2015 - Appalachian League (ApL)
Danville Otterbots News Release
DANVILLE, VA- The Danville Braves took the opening game of a three game series against the Bluefield Blue Jays with a 6-3 win, still giving the Braves a shot at the post season. Starter Patrick Weigel was dealing as he retired seven batters by way of a punch out in his five innings of shutout baseball, also allowing only four hits. Ben Libuda picked up his third win as a D-Brave out of the bullpen. Libuda went two and one-third innings, allowing three runs on three hits, with one of those runs being unearned. Closer Grayson Jones came on in the ninth inning to record his second save of the season and secure the Braves 6-3 win.
Danville would strike first in the second inning on a solo home run to left field by Braves first baseman Juan Yepez to give the Braves the 1-0 lead. The D-Braves would also score one run in the bottom of the fifth inning to double their lead to 2-0. Braves second baseman Jacob Lanning would single to right field to lead off the inning. Lanning's single was followed by a sacrifice bunt by short stop Yeudi Grullon, advancing Lanning to second base and putting him in scoring position with the lineup turning back over to the top of the order. Ronald Acuna, the Braves center fielder, doubled to center field as both the center fielder and short stop collided, Lanning would stop at third base. The next batter Jose Morel would walk to load the bases for third baseman Austin Riley. Riley then sent a ball deep enough to right field to score Lanning, to give the Bravos a 2-0 lead.
Bluefield would answer with runs in the top of the sixth and seventh inning to tie the score at 2-2. In the top of the sixth inning, Blue Jays right fielder Nick Sinay doubled to right field to lead off the inning. Sinay was then advanced to third base on a ground ball to Yepez who flipped the ball on to the pitcher covering to retire Deifferson Barretto. Sinay then scored on another ground ball as Christian Williams grounded out to Braves second baseman Lanning to trade an out for a run. Bluefield added another run in the top o fthe seventh inning to tie the game at 2-2. Blue Jays center fielder Freddy Rodriguez would strikeout to begin the seventh, however, the third strike was dropped and Rodriguez reached first safely. As Braves catcher Trey Keegan attempted to pick Rodriguez off at first, however, his thrown was wide and went all the way down to the right field fence, allowing Rodriguez to advance to third on the error by Keegan. Blue Jays catcher Andres Sotillo would single to center field, scoring Rodriguez to tie the game at 2-2.
The Braves would add four runs in the bottom of the seventh inning to take the lead 6-2. Lanning walked to lead off the inning, and Grullon would again bunt Lanning over to second. Acuna would then walk as well, putting runners on first and second with one out. Morel then reached on an infield single, and everyone was safe and the D-Braves had the bases loaded for Austin Riley. Riley then received an RBI the hard way, taking a pitch right in the middle of the back, scoring the go ahead run and the Braves led 3-2. Braves clean up man and designated hitter, Jeff Campbell, then emptied the bases with a three run double to center field making the score 6-3 Braves after seven.
Bluefield would score another run, cutting the Braves lead in half to 6-3 in the top of the eighth inning. Sinay would walk to lead things off for the Blue Jays, and the next batter Barretto then singled to right center field, advancing Sinay to third. With runners at the corners, Blue Jays designated hitter Jacob Anderson's sacrifice fly to center field scored Sinay putting the Blue Jays within three. However, it was not enough as Braves closer Grayson Jones preserved the Braves win pitching one and two-thirds innings, giving up just one hit and striking out a pair.
Danville will continue their series against Bluefield tomorrow as they send Mike Soroka to the mound for the 7 pm start. Soroka will be opposed by Blue Jays right hander Geno Encina. Tomorrow night is military appreciation night at American Legion Post 325 field. All active and retired military personnel will receive a free general admission ticket with a valid military ID.
Appalachian League Stories from August 27, 2015
- Astros Fall to Royals, 5-2, in Series Opener - Greeneville Astros
- D-Braves Still Chasing Playoffs, Defeat Blue Jays 6-3 - Danville Otterbots
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