Late Burst by Mariners Sinks Braves, 8-1
Published on July 20, 2010 under Appalachian League (ApL)
Danville Otterbots News Release
DANVILLE, Va. - It was a pitcher's duel through eight, but a ninth inning surge by the Pulaski Mariners gave them a 8-1 win over the Danville Braves. The Mariners improve to 16-12 on the season and remain in first in the Appalachian League East, while the Braves are set back to .500 in 2010 at 14-14.
Pulaski got to D-Braves starting hurler Willie Kempf early on, and struck first in its opening round of at-bats. After giving up a lead-off single to center fielder Mario Yepez, Kempf shut down the next two in order before an RBI-double by right fielder Jose Rivero put the Mariners on the board.
Through the next seven innings, Kempf only pitched to two over the minimum, shutting down the next ten batters in a row before allowing a lone single in the fifth. The only other batter allowed on base post-first inning of work was catcher Hassiel Jimenez, who he hit with a fast ball that got away.
The bottom halves of the first eight innings were much of the same, with Pulaski righty George Mieses keeping Braves bats quiet. Despite issuing a lead-off walk in the first, Mieses regained his control, striking out four by the end of the fifth. After a quick fly-out to right by shortstop Andrelton Simmons, designated hitter Barrett Kleinknecht nabbed a two-bagger, and then advanced to third on a wild pitch. In the next at-bat, relief catcher Evan Gattis knocked the DH home on a sacrifice fly, tying the game at 1-1.
Silence ensued after the lone run, and it appeared as though the game was destined for another night of extra innings as the eighth ended with the tie intact. With Matthew Lewis in relief for Kempf, however, the Mariners found what they had been missing all night, tacking on seven runs by the time the half inning was out.
Lewis put two on quickly thanks to back-to-back walks, and a single by Rivero brought them both across the plate to put Pulaski ahead for the second time of the ballgame. By the end of the inning, a throwing error by Lewis, three walks, and a grand-slam by Yepez had given the Mariners a commanding 8-1 lead.
In relief for Mieses, Stephen Kolscheen closed out the game in the first four at-bats to give Pulaski the win. As the pitcher of record at the time the lead was taken, Mieses was credited with the win, while Danville's Lewis took the loss.
Continuing to be reliable at the plate, Kleinknecht was one of the few offensive contributors for the Braves, with a double, run scored and hit-by-pitch on the night. Yepez was the clear leader for Pulaski, with two hits, including his first grand slam of the season.
The Braves and Mariners continue their series in Danville tomorrow night at 7 p.m. On the hill for the D-Braves will be righty Aaron Northcraft, who will face Pulaski's Yovanny Olivero. Tomorrow night is also Thirsty Thursday, so, fans, don't miss on the action and great promotion at Dan Daniel Memorial Park! Also featured in this home stand are Dr. Bryan Spurrier, DDS Night on Friday, July 23 and Can Koozie Give-Away Night on Saturday, July 24.
Fans can follow all Braves play-by-play action for home games on WMNA 106.3 FM or on the Braves' website at www.dbraves.com. For other information on the schedule, tickets, group nights, and/or partnership opportunities please contact the Danville Braves office at (434) 797-3792, info@dbraves.com, or log on to the D-Braves website.
Appalachian League Stories from July 20, 2010
- Sox Beat Astros - Greeneville Astros
- Late Burst by Mariners Sinks Braves, 8-1 - Danville Otterbots
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