SAL1 Rome Emperors

Gattis' Ninth Inning Collision Lifts Braves to Walk Off Victory

Published on July 21, 2011 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Rome Emperors News Release


Rome, GA - The Rome Braves defeated the Delmarva Shorebirds 3-2Thursday night in walk off fashion at State Mutual Stadium before a crowd of 2,191. The two teams will square off tomorrow night at 7pm for the third and final game of the series.

After an hour and twenty minute rain delay the Shorebirds wasted no time getting on the board in the top of the first. After a rare walk from Rome starter Ryan Weber, a balk and an RBI single by Ty Kelly lead to an early Delmarva 1-0 lead. Two innings later, in the top of the third, with two outs and a runner on third the Shorebirds cashed in on a throwing error by third baseman Edward Salcedo that allowed the run to score and give Delmarva a 2-0 advantage.

The Braves cut the lead to 2-1 in the bottom of the fifth after Tommy La Stella scorched a triple to center and scored on a David Rohm sacrifice fly. Chasen Shreve took over for starter Ryan Weber in the fourth inning and held the Shorebirds to two hits and no runs while striking out five over four innings of work. His combined effort with southpaw Matt Chafee's two innings of work held Delmarva scoreless the rest of the game.

Going into the bottom of the ninth the Braves still trailed 2-1. After Chris Garcia walked with one out Evan Gattis dropped in a single behind second base and moved pinch runner Kyle Rose over to third. With runners on first and third Robert Hefflinger stepped to the plate and tied the game up with an RBI single. Tommy La Stella then came up and with two strikes singled up the middle to bring Gattis around from second. Center fielder Mikey Planeta's throw beat the Rome catcher to the plate but Gattis would not be denied and scored after knocking the ball loose in a collision with Delmarva catcher Michael Ohlman. The walk off 3-2 victory is Rome's third straight.

Matt Chafee (1-0) earns the win for Rome and David Walters (1-4)takes the loss for Delmarva.

The finale of the three game series is tomorrow night at 7pm followed by a four game series with the Kannapolis Intimidators. For ticket information, contact the Rome Braves at 706-378-5144 or log onto www.romebraves.com.

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South Atlantic League Stories from July 21, 2011


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