Sports stats



SL1 Mississippi Braves

Missed Opportunities Cost M-Braves on Wednesday

May 8, 2019 - Southern League (SL1)
Mississippi Braves News Release


PEARL, MS - The South Division-leading Pensacola Blue Wahoos scored a run in the fourth inning on Wednesday morning and that was enough to beat the Mississippi Braves (16-15) at Trustmark Park, 1-0. Each offense had plenty of opportunities in game three of the series, combining to go 3-for-27 with runners in scoring position and stranding 20 runners on base.

The M-Braves hosted another Education Day on Wednesday, welcoming 3,820 fans to Trustmark Park.

Drew Waters led the offense by going 3-for-5 at the plate with two doubles. The Woodstock, Georgia native leads the Southern League with 14 doubles, 18 extra-base hits, and a .349 batting average.

The M-Braves dropped to 6-2 during the homestand, but maintain the Southern League's best ERA during the month at 1.23.

Tucker Davidson (L, 0-1) made his sixth start of 2019 and came out of the gates on fire. The No. 22 prospect for the Atlanta Braves struck out the side on 14 pitches. Davidson matched up against top Twins pitching prospect Brusdar Graterol (W, 4-0) and the two prospects didn't disappoint.

Davidson let the first two Pensacola batters reach to begin the second and third innings, but escaped each jam unscathed. Pensacola did touch the scoreboard in the fourth inning with two outs. Luis Arraez snuck a single past Braves shortstop Ray-Patrick Didder to bring home Taylor Gzelakowski and it was 1-0.

Davidson ended his outing after 5.0 innings of one-run baseball, giving up just six hits, three walks and struck out seven on 91 pitches.

After being held hitless through the first three innings, the M-Braves stranded single runners on base in the fourth and fifth and left bases loaded in the sixth and seventh.

Claudio Custodio made his third scoreless appearance for the Braves out of the bullpen and struck out three over 3.0 innings of one-hit baseball. The 28-year-old converted infielder hasn't allowed a run in his first 6.1 innings. Custodio and Jason Hursh combined to retire 12 of the final 13 Pensacola batters.

Ryan Mason (S, 1) took over for the Blue Wahoos in the bottom of the ninth inning. Alejandro Salazar greeted the Pensacola closer with a single, placing the tying run on base. Connor Lien battled Mason in a long at-bat and eventually doubled to the gap in right-center putting runners and second and third with no outs. Mason struck out Daniel Lockhart and then induced a pop out from Didder for the first two outs. Waters, Tuesday night's hero worked a 3-2 count but went down on strikes to end the game.

Cristian Pache was 1-for-4 on Wednesday, extending his on-base streak to a team-best 11 games. Pache is second in the league with 15 extra-base hits and is third in the league with a .319 batting average.

The Blue Wahoos have a 2-1 series edge heading into game four of the five-game series on Thursday night at Trustmark Park. RHP Ian Anderson (2-1, 2.79) is set to make his team-leading seventh start for the M-Braves and will face RHP Randy Dobnak (0-0, 4.5) for Pensacola. First pitch is set for 6:35 pm with coverage beginning at 6:20 pm on 103.9 WYAB, TuneIn Radio, MiLB First Pitch app. and MiLB.TV (subscription required).

Thursday's Promotions:

* Thirsty Thursday - Enjoy 16 oz domestic beer and 16 oz fountain drinks for just $2 each! * Teacher Appreciation Night - All teachers receive $2 admission for up to 4 guests with badge/ID as a thank you for everything they do! Enjoy $2 domestic beers, $2 16 oz soft drinks and $4 wine.

* M-Braves Cornhole Tournaments - Join us on Thursday's this season for M-Braves Cornhole Tournaments presented by Central MS Cornhole & Good Times! Every Thirsty Thursday at Trustmark Park (13 of them) we'll have competitive tournaments outside the Farm Bureau Grill on the right-field concourse starting at 6:00 pm. Great cash & prizes to winners! $5 entry per player.

The Mississippi Braves are the Double-A affiliate of the Atlanta Braves. Since the inaugural 2005 season, 139 M-Braves have gone on to Major League Baseball. The M-Braves have made postseason play four times and went on to win the Southern League Championship in 2008. Stop by Trustmark Park or call 888-BRAVES4 Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. For the latest news and updates, visit mississippibraves.com or connect with @mbraves on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Check out the Mississippi Braves Statistics



Southern League Stories from May 8, 2019


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central