IL1 Gwinnett Stripers

G-Braves Rally to Clip Mud Hens, 7-5

Published on May 23, 2013 under International League (IL1)
Gwinnett Stripers News Release


LAWRENCEVILLE, GA - After falling behind 5-1, the Gwinnett Braves (18-30) scored six unanswered runs to clip the Toledo Mud Hens (15-33), 7-5 on Thursday Night at Coolray Field. Brandon Boggs belted the deciding two-run homer as part of Gwinnett's four-run sixth inning.

The G-Braves got off to a rough start, as starter Daniel Rodriguez was touched up for five runs on five hits in 5.0 innings of baseball.

In the top of the second inning, the Mud Hens scored three runs on three hits. Nick Castellanos and Bryan Holaday led off the frame with back-to-back singles. The next hitter, Ramon Cabrera hit a weak grounder down the first base line, but the ball hit the first base bag and squirted down the right field line for an RBI double. Kevin Russo connected for RBI single and Quintin Berry added an RBI ground out, pushing the lead to 3-0.

Gwinnett cut into the deficit in the bottom of the fourth. Todd Cunningham laced a triple and scored on a sacrifice fly by Tyler Pastornicky, making it 3-1.

In the top of the fifth, the Mud Hens answered with two more runs. After a Jordan Lennerton double, Castellanos walked to put two runners on for Holaday. The designated hitter delivered a bases-clearing triple, extending the lead to 5-1.

The Mud Hens would be shut down from then on. Cole McCurry (W, 1-1) tossed 1.2 scoreless innings in relief of Rodriguez, setting up the comeback and picking up the victory.

The G-Braves backed his relief effort with a run in the fifth and four in the sixth to take the lead. Back-to-back doubles by Joe Leonard and Paul Janish plated the first run. In the sixth, Cunningham singled and Pastornicky doubled, putting runners on second and third with one out. Ernesto Mejia followed with an RBI single and Joey Terdoslavich plated a run with an RBI groundout.

With the game in the balance, Mud Hens Manager Phil Nevin elected to bring in reliever Al Albuquerque from the bullpen to replace starter Ramon Garcia, who went 5.1 innings, allowing five runs on eight hits. Boggs greeted the right-hander rudely, as he smacked the first pitch he saw over the right-center field fence, giving Gwinnett a 6-5 lead.

The G-Braves added a run late, and it was more than enough for Kameron Loe (S, 2), as he came in to pitch 2.1 innings of scoreless relief for the save.

Albuquerque (L, 0-1) suffered the loss, as the homer by Boggs proved to be the game winner.

Mejia led the G-Braves with a 3-for-4 game and his team-leading 31st RBI. Cunningham added a 2-for-4 performance with two runs scored, and Boggs recorded his fifth home run of the season - third with Gwinnett - to finish 1-for-3 with two RBI. Jose Constanza failed to collect a hit, snapping his International League-leading 18-game hitting streak.

Lennerton paced the Mud Hens, going 2-for-3 with a run, while Holaday added two hits and two RBI.

The Gwinnett Braves play game two of the four-game series against the Toledo Mud Hens on Friday night at Coolray Field, first pitch scheduled for 7:05 PM. Atlanta Braves' right-hander Brandon Beachy will make his first minor league injury rehab start for the G-Braves, while the Mud Hens will counter with left-hander Jose Alvarez (4-2, 1.98). Listen to the game on WDUN 550 AM and 102.9 FM with Tony Schiavone calling the play-by-play.

Friday is "Dudes vs. Foods Night," with our annual Knucksie Eating Contest taking over the main concourse. Additional food challenges for the stadium concessions connoisseur will also take place during the game. Tickets are on sale now by calling the Coolray Field Box Office at (678) 277-0340 or by visiting gwinnettbraves.com.

Check out the Gwinnett Stripers Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



International League Stories from May 23, 2013


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central