IL1 Gwinnett Stripers

Ernesto Mejia's three-run blast backs Julio Teheran in 3-2 win over Toledo

May 12, 2012 - International League (IL1)
Gwinnett Stripers News Release


LAWRENCEVILLE, GA - Right-hander Julio Teheran worked seven solid innings and Ernesto Mejia bashed a three-run home run in the first inning as the Gwinnett Braves defeated the Toledo Mud Hens, 3-2 at Coolray Field on Saturday night. The G-Braves improved to 6-0 against the Mud Hens with their fourth-straight win on the homestand.

Teheran (W, 3-1) was stellar as he worked a season-high seven innings in his first win since April 17. The Atlanta Braves' top prospect yielded a run on five hits, walked one and struck out seven, throwing 99 pitches, 67 for strikes.

The Gwinnett offense did all its damage on the night in the opening inning against Toledo left-hander Fu-Te NI. Luis Durango led off the bottom of the first with a walk and Stefan Gartrell was hit by a pitch to put two runners on base for Mejia. The first baseman drilled a 1-2 pitch from Ni over the center-field fence for a 3-0 lead. Mejia finished 1-for-1 on the night with his fifth home run of the season, raising his team-leading RBI total to 24.

Teheran's only hiccup of the game came in the top of the second when he allowed a solo home run to Audy Ciriaco, cutting the lead to 3-1. He settled in afterward, keeping the Mud Hens off the board over the next five innings.

Toledo's biggest threat came in the eighth inning against right-hander Jason Rice. Following a Justin Henry single, Gwinnett third baseman Joey Terdoslavich committed a pair of errors on a Ryan Strieby ground ball to set up runners at the corners. Rice (H, 2) issued a wild pitch on a strikeout of Brad Eldred that scored Henry, but sat down Eric Patterson looking to strand the tying run at second.

Right-hander Jaye Chapman (S, 3) entered in the ninth inning to close out Toledo and did just so for his third save of the season. Chapman allowed just one hit and struck out two batters in a scoreless frame.

Ni (L, 2-1) was handed his first loss of the season for Toledo, allowing three runs on three hits over six innings. He walked two and struck out four, throwing 100 pitches, 56 for strikes. Right-hander Brayan Villarreal worked the final two innings, striking out five.

The International League South-leading Gwinnett Braves (23-13) will be seeking their fifth-straight victory on Sunday against the Toledo Mud Hens (20-16) in game four of the five-game series. The first pitch from Coolray Field is scheduled for 2:05 PM. Right-hander Eric Junge (3-3, 3.09) will take the mound for Gwinnett, while Toledo is expected to counter with right-hander Jacob Turner (0-0, 0.00). Listen to the broadcast on WDUN 550 AM and 102.9 FM with Tony Schiavone calling the play-by-play.

Sunday's game is sponsored by Univision 34 Atlanta. Bring your mom out to Coolray Field for Mother's Day, featuring a special post-game Diamond Dig where select ladies will have a chance to dig for a pair of earrings. The Sunday Non-Profit Partnership Series also continues as the G-Braves will be recognizing organizations that work to end hunger and/or homelessness for the "Thanksgiving" theme. Finally, it's another Family Sunday featuring a pregame catch in the outfield and a postgame base run for kids 12 and under.

Tickets for all Gwinnett Braves home games are on sale now at the Coolray Field Box Office. Call (678) 277-0340 or visit gwinnettbraves.com for more information.

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International League Stories from May 12, 2012


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