IL1 Gwinnett Stripers

Gwinnett Braves Homestand Highlights for June 30-July 8

Published on June 28, 2012 under International League (IL1)
Gwinnett Stripers News Release


LAWRENCEVILLE, GA. - The Gwinnett Braves return home to Coolray Field for seven games in a nine-day stretch that will begin on Saturday, June 30 and conclude on Sunday, July 8. The G-Braves will host the International League South Division leading Charlotte Knights (June 30-July 3) for four games and another IL South foe, the Durham Bulls (July 6-8) for three games. The finale of the series on Sunday, July 8, originally scheduled for 5:05 PM, is now a 2:05 PM start.

After nearly two months of dominance, the G-Braves are currently fourth in the IL South Division after losing 12 straight games and 24 of their last 29 contests. However, two of the bright spots of the season were honored as Triple-A All-Star selections on Wednesday, June 27. Pitcher Cory Gearrin and first baseman Ernesto Mejia will both represent Gwinnett and the IL in the 25th Triple-A All-Star Game on Wednesday, July 11 in Buffalo, NY. Gearrin, selected to the game by the IL office, has seven saves in eight chances alongside a perfect 3-0 record and masterful 1.31 ERA. Mejia, selected in part by online fan vote, is fifth in the IL in batting average at .305. He also ranks among the league's best in RBIs (4th, 52), home runs (7th, 15) and slugging percentage (7th, .540) as well as several other categories.

The G-Braves are presently wrapping up an eight-game road trip (0-4 at Syracuse, 0-2 at Scranton/Wilkes-Barre). Gwinnett will have four games to begin the homestand against Charlotte, then will head to Fort Mill, SC for a quick two-game set against the Knights. Afterward, the G-Braves will return home for the three-game series against Durham.

The homestand begins with "Braves All-Star Weekend" presented by Springer Mountain Farms, featuring appearances by former Braves Dave Justice, Javy Lopez, Dale Murphy and Ryan Klesko on Saturday, June 30 and Sunday, July 1. A special fireworks spectacular sponsored by WAGA Fox 5 highlights the Friday, July 6 game, and the Chopper Baseball Giveaway happens on Saturday, July 7.

Here's a look at the rest of the homestand:

Saturday, June 30

Charlotte Knights (Chicago White Sox) vs. Gwinnett Braves, 7:05 PM

Presenting Sponsor: Springer Mountain Farms

National Anthem performed by: Lauren Mask

Features:

- Braves All-Star Weekend, Sponsored by Springer Mountain Farms - Former Braves Dave Justice and Javy Lopez will be at the park to meet and greet, including a 90-minute autograph session after the start of the game. Limit 1 per person, first come first serve basis.

- Pennant Flag Giveaway - The first 1,000 fans through the gates will receive a free pennant flag, courtesy of Springer Mountain Farms.

Sunday, July 1

Charlotte Knights (Chicago White Sox) vs. Gwinnett Braves, 5:05 PM

Presenting Sponsors: Springer Mountain Farms and Univision

National Anthem performed by: Cannon Church

Features:

- Braves All-Star Weekend, Sponsored by Springer Mountain Farms - Former Braves Dale Murphy and Ryan Klesko will be at the park to meet and greet, including a 90-minute autograph session after the start of the game. Limit 1 per person, first come first serve basis.

- Pennant Flag Giveaway - The first 1,000 fans through the gates will receive a free pennant flag, courtesy of Springer Mountain Farms.

- Salute to the Arts - The G-Braves will be recognizing organizations that support art programs and art education.

- Family Sunday - Bring your ball and glove for a pre-game catch in the outfield! All kids 12 and under will get to run the bases following the game as well.

Monday, July 2

Charlotte Knights (Chicago White Sox) vs. Gwinnett Braves, 7:05 PM

National Anthem performed by: Brianna Evans

Features:

- Kids Eat Free Monday - All kids 12 and under will receive a voucher for a free hot dog, a bag of chips and a small soda.

Tuesday, July 3

Charlotte Knights (Chicago White Sox) vs. Gwinnett Braves, 7:05 PM

National Anthem performed by: Abbey Kochman

Features:

- 2 for 1 Tuesday - Save up to 50% off tickets by visiting GwinnettBraves.com/Tuesday. Print your coupon from home and present it at the Box Office to redeem!

Friday, July 6

Durham Bulls (Tampa Bay Rays) vs. Gwinnett Braves, 7:05 PM

Presenting Sponsor: 12Stone

National Anthem and God Bless America performed by: Timothy Miller

Features:

- Fox 5 Friday Fireworks - Stick around after the game for our Independence Day show following the game! It will be the biggest and longest firework spectacular of the year!

- Red, White and Blue Thundersticks Giveaway - Celebrate Fourth of July with the G-Braves as every fan in the stands will receive free thundersticks.

Saturday, July 7

Durham Bulls (Tampa Bay Rays) vs. Gwinnett Braves, 7:05 PM

Presenting Sponsor: Tyson© Any'Tizers© Snacks

National Anthem performed by: Rex Norton

Features:

- Chopper Baseball Giveaway - The first 2,000 fans through the gates will receive a free Chopper baseball.

Sunday, July 8

Durham Bulls (Tampa Bay Rays) vs. Gwinnett Braves, 2:05 PM

Presenting Sponsor: Univision

National Anthem performed by: Georgia 811

Features:

- Touch-a-Truck - Enjoy the opportunity to see your favorite machinery and vehicles up close! Stop by to check out the dump trucks, fire engines, police cars, and more!

- Public Safety Night - The G-Braves will be recognizing local law enforcement, firefighters, and EMT's before the game.

- Youth Athletics - The G-Braves will be recognizing organizations that promote youth athletics and activities.

- Family Sunday - Bring your ball and glove for a pre-game catch in the outfield! All kids 12 and under will get to run the bases following the game as well.

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.




International League Stories from June 28, 2012


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