SL1 Mississippi Braves

Grandal's Pinch-Hit Homer Lifts Mudcats to Victory

Published on August 6, 2011 under Southern League (SL1)
Mississippi Braves News Release


PEARL, MS-In a one-run game, Yasmani Grandal launched a two-out, two-run pinch-hit home run in the top of the eighth inning to lift the Carolina Mudcats to a 5-4 victory over the M-Braves in game two of this five-game series at Trustmark Park.

Bill Rhinehart and Grandal combined to drive in all five runs for the Mudcats (19-22, 42-69). Carolina's five runs came on eight hits while committing two errors in the game. Mississippi (19-23, 44-68) plated four runs on just four hits and one error.

Former M-Brave Tim Gustafson (3-7) worked two frames, giving up just one walk while striking out four to pick up the win. Donnie Joseph (S, 4) came on to work a perfect ninth for the Mudcats.

Brett Butts (0-1), who surrendered his first loss and first blown save of the season, allowed two earned runs on two hits, a homer, and two walks, in just 2/3 of an inning.

After a one hour and twelve minute rain delay, the M-Braves finally got under way. Rhinehart led off the top of the second with a solo home run just over the right field wall to give the Mudcats an early 1-0 lead.

Ed Lucas walked and Mycal Jones singled to get things started for the Braves in the bottom of the second. Sean Henry moved both runners over on a ground out deep in the six-hole. A Braeden Schlehuber sac fly then drove in Lucas to tie the game 1-1.

Antoan Richardson singled and scored on a Willie Cabrera triple in the bottom of the third, giving the M-Braves a 2-1 lead. Cabrera then came in to score on a Dan Nelson ground out to make it 3-1.

Mike Costanzo doubled and Neftali Soto was hit by a pitch in the fifth. Rhinehart followed with a two run double to deep right-center, tying the game at 3-3.

The M-Braves then took a 4-3 lead in the fifth. Richardson singled and Cabrera walked. Richardson took third on a Nelson fly out to right field before coming in to score on a Mejia ground out to the pitcher.

The tables turned in the top of the eighth on Grandal's blast over the left field wall.

M-Braves starter Zeke Spruill went five frames. He gave up three earned run on six hits, a home run, one walk, and three strikeouts. Josh Ravin gave up four earned runs on four hits, five walks, and five strikeouts in five innings of work for the Mudcats.

Lefty Luis Avilan (3-6, 4.44) toes the rubber in game three of this five-game series against the Mudcats. He'll take on Carolina right-hander Justin Lehr (0-1, 3.57). First pitch is scheduled for 5:05 PM. Gates open at 4:00 PM.

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Southern League Stories from August 6, 2011


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