SL1 Mississippi Braves

Didder, Valenzuela Lead M-Braves to Second-Straight Win

July 29, 2019 - Southern League (SL1)
Mississippi Braves News Release


MOBILE, AL - Middle infielders Ray-Patrick Didder and Luis Valenzuela combined for six hits, five runs, and two RBI's as the Mississippi Braves (18-19, 51-55) won their second-straight over the Mobile BayBears (14-23), 41-54) on Monday night, 8-5.

Mississippi has won nine of their last 12 games since the 3-11 start to July, working their way back into the South Division playoff picture. Didder was 3-for-4 with a double, RBI, two runs scored and his 16th stolen base, and Valenzuela finished 3-for-3 with a double three runs scored and RBI.

Tucker Davidson (W, 6-6) took the ball for his 20th start of the 2019 season and earned his third-straight win. It seemed like the 23-year-old southpaw would end his night with a sub 2.00 ERA, but a two-run double in the sixth inning from Jordan Zimmerman ended that bid. Cristian Pache nearly saved the two runs from scoring as he attempted a spectacular catch smashing into the left-field wooden fence. Davidson left with a 2.15 ERA which ranks second in Southern League.

Davidson gave up a home run to Mobile's Brandon Marsh on the first pitch of his outing but went on to not allow another run until the sixth. At one point, Davidson retired 13 of 14 batters. The Texan gave up three runs on six hits over 6.0 innings with two walks and five strikeouts, netting his eighth quality start.

The M-Braves tied and then took the lead in the second inning on an RBI single by Didder that scored Valenzuela. Didder made it 2-1 when he stole second base and then scored after back-to-back wild pitches from Mobile starter Andrew Wantz (L, 0-3).

Trey Harris finished 2-for-5 and led off the fourth inning with his first Double-A triple. The Mizzou grad scored on a double by Valenzuela. Didder reached for the third-straight time with a walk and then with two outs, Drew Waters brought both home with his 35th double of the season, extending the lead to 5-1. Waters leads the league and Double-A baseball with 133 hits in 104 games.

Valenzuela and Didder recorded singles in the sixth inning and each scored to make it 7-1 n three-straight wild pitches from Mobile reliever Adam Hofacket.

After Mobile added the two runs in the sixth inning to trim the Mississippi lead to 7-3, Bradley Roney took over for Davidson and tossed 2.0 shutout innings on one hit, striking out two.

The BayBears recorded three-straight hits in the ninth against M-Braves reliever Jordan Harrison and cut the lead to 8-5. Chris Maloney called on Josh Graham (S, 8) in a save situation and the Oregon product retired two-straight to lock down his first save of the second-half.

The Braves pounded out 12 hits in the victory and improved to 4-3 on the road trip with two games remaining in Mobile.

Game four of the five-game series is on Tuesday night at Hank Aaron Stadium. RHP Ian Anderson (7-5, 2.69) starts for Mississippi against Mobile RHP Tyler Carpenter (1-2, 4.04). First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 pm CT with coverage beginning at 6:20 pm on 103.9 FM, First Pitch App. and TuneIn Radio. The game will also be streamed on MiLB.tv (subscription required).

The M-Braves return to Trustmark Park for a five-game series against the Tennessee Smokies, Aug. 1-5. The homestand features Mississippi State Night, Thirsty Thursday, Cowbell Sticker and Chris Maloney Bobblehead Giveaway and the largest Fireworks Show in Trustmark Park history on Saturday, Aug. 3. 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, 144 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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Southern League Stories from July 29, 2019


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