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IL1 Gwinnett Stripers

G-Braves Conquer Knights at Coolray

July 8, 2011 - International League (IL1)
Gwinnett Stripers News Release


The Lead: The Gwinnett Braves sank the Charlotte Knights 6-3 in the first of a three game home series at Coolray Field in Lawrenceville, GA, on Friday night. Gwinnett shook up a pitcher's duel with a big 5th inning and cruised to the win from there, thanks in part to some offense by ML Rehab Martin Prado from Atlanta. The G-Braves (48-40) remain in second place in the International League South division but gain to a half game behind Durham (at press time). The Knights (44-45) remain in third place in the IL South with the loss.

It Was Over When: Locked in a pitching exhibition for four innings, former G-Brave and tonight's starter for Charlotte Deunte Heath possibly got lost in the moment for a minute back at Coolray Field. After retiring the first two batters in the 5th inning, three straight Braves earned bases on balls off the righty to load the bases for IL All Star Stefan Gartrell. The former Knight drove a pair home with a 2 RBI double for a 4-1 Braves lead.

Braves Beat:

On the Mound: Starting RHP Erik Cordier (3-5) went 6.0 IP, allowing 1 R/ER on 5 hits with 4 walks and 4 strikeouts but also yielded a homer. He threw a season high 95 pitches, and also allowed his fewest runs since not allowing any in his 6/7 start at Toledo (7.0 IP, W). RHP Jairo Asencio tossed a scoreless 9th inning for his 14th save of the season.

At the plate: Prado, in his third game on this rehab assignment and first at Coolray Field, went 2-for-3 with an RBI, 2 singles and a walk while playing third base. Gartrell, playing right field, went 1-for-3 with a double and 2 RBI. Catcher Wilkin Castillo was 1-for-3 with an RBI and a stolen base, while CF Jeff Fiorentino was 2-for-3 with 2 runs and his first 2 double game since 5/5 while he was with the Mississippi Braves.

The Opposition:

On the Mound: Charlotte starting RHP Heath (3-4) went 4.2 IP, allowing 5 R/4 ER with 5 walks and 7 strikeouts in a losing effort.

At the Plate: Knights 1B Jim Gallagher was 1-for-2 with 2 runs, and RBI and 3 walks. Former Braves prospect C Tyler Flowers was also 2-for-4.

On Deck: The G-Braves play a doubleheader against the Knights tomorrow beginning at 6:05 p.m. at Coolray Field, with the second game coming 30-45 minutes following the end of the first. Gwinnett will throw RHP Cristhian Martinez (1-0, 1.80) in game one against RHP Matt Zaleski for the Knights (0-1, 2.25). Braves LHP Yohan Flande (4-4, 3.95) will go against a pitcher yet to be named for Charlotte in game two. Both games can be heard on WDUN 550 AM and 102.9 FM, while game one will also be televised on CSS. Fans can also follow the game at www.twitter.com/GwinnettBraves1, gametracker on www.gwinnettbraves.com or MiLB TV at www.MiLB.com.

Etc: Saturday's doubleheader is stuffed with a slew of features for fans coming out to Coolray Field. The first 2,000 fans through the gates will receive a Gwinnett Braves drawstring bag, the games will feature some of the all-time great comedy skits of all time playing on the famed video board in right field and it is also Asian Heritage Night. Prior to game one, from 3-5 p.m., the G-Braves will host the initial Dragonboat Ceremony in preparation for the fall race at Lake Lanier. The festival will include unveiling of the new boats, traditional dancing and other entertaining and educational events.




International League Stories from July 8, 2011


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