Late Rally Comes up Short as Braves Drop Home Opener
Published on June 29, 2016 under Appalachian League (ApL)
Danville Otterbots News Release
DANVILLE, Va. - A ninth-inning rally wasn't enough for the Braves Wednesday night, as they fell in the home opener against Johnson City 5-3. The Braves offense sparked in the bottom of the ninth to score two runs and load the bases, but the home team was unable to overcome the deficit.
Johnson City scored five runs on 10 hits and one Danville error, while the Braves scored three runs on eight hits.
The Braves opened the scoring in the bottom of the second when Matt Hearn singled on a line drive to right field to drive in Ryan O'Malley, who was hit by a pitch to lead off the inning.
After three hitless innings from Danville starter Luis Gamez, Johnson City was able to break through in the top of the fourth to take a 2-1 lead. Allen Cordoba led off the inning with a single before coming around to score after a walk and an RBI double from Andrew Knizner. The Cardinals took the lead via a groundout from Luis Bandes that allowed Cordoba to score.
Gamez delivered a second consecutive strong outing on the mound, pitching 6 innings and striking out five Cardinals while allowing three hits and two earned runs.
In the top of the eighth, Johnson City got on the board again in similar fashion. Cordoba led off the inning with a double and then came around to score after back-to-back singles. Bandes again knocked in a run via a groundout, when he hit into a double play that was enough to bring Bryce Denton home.
Johnson City extended the lead to 5-1 in the top of the ninth when DeAndre Asbury-Heath crossed the plate on a wild pitch.
The Braves made things interesting in the bottom of the ninth. Hearn led off the inning with a single to center but was replaced on the basepath by Isranel Wilson, who grounded into a fielder's choice. With two outs, J.B. Moss doubled to left field to put runners on second and third for Jared James, who laced a two-RBI double to right field. After Ramon Osuna singled and Ryan O'Malley was hit by a pitch, Danville had the bases loaded, but the Braves were unable to cash in.
Danville left a total of 12 runners on base throughout the contest, going 3-for-11 with runners in scoring position. David Oca (1-0) earned the win for the Cardinals after surrendering just one earned run and four hits over six innings. Julio Mateo pitched 2.2 innings to earn the hold before Estarlin Arias recorded the final out and picked up the save.
The second game of the series will be Thursday at 7 p.m., with LHP Kolby Allard scheduled to match up against Johnson City's Frederis Parra. It will be the first Thirsty Thursday of the season at Legion Field; fans can purchase discount beverages throughout the game, presented by Buffalo Wild Wings.
Appalachian League Stories from June 29, 2016
- Greenville Grabs First Game of Series 14-3 - Princeton WhistlePigs
- Late Rally Comes up Short as Braves Drop Home Opener - Danville Otterbots
- Pair of Homers Highlights Yankees Win - Pulaski River Turtles
- Pirates rally to defeat Astros, 8-7 - Greeneville Astros
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