SL1 Mississippi Braves

Mississippi Falls to Pensacola 12-9 in 11-Inning Sunday Evening Contest

Published on July 15, 2018 under Southern League (SL1)
Mississippi Braves News Release


PEARL, MS - The Mississippi Braves (12-12, 41-53) fell to the Pensacola Blue Wahoos (16-8, 46-46) 12-9 in Sunday evening's 11 inning affair at Trustmark Park. Sunday's game was a battle as both teams traded punches throughout the entire contest. Despite the loss, M-Braves second baseman, Alejandro Salazar posted a career offensive night after going 5-for-5 with a 2B, 3 R, 2 RBI and a BB. For the 21-year old Salazar, his 5-for-5 performance on Sunday night was a career high for the amount of hits recorded in a single game.

Gavin LaValley put Pensacola on top early when he singled on a sharp line drive to left field which allowed Mitch Nay to score, giving the Blue Wahoos a 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning.

Mississippi immediately responded in the bottom of the first inning by tying the game 1-1 via a ground ball RBI single from Salazar. Luis Valenzuela scored from second base on the single by Salazar.

Ray-Patrick Didder gave the M-Braves their first lead of the game in the bottom of the second inning after doubling on a line drive to left field, scoring Carlos Martinez from second base.

The bulk of the M-Braves offense came in the bottom of the third inning when they plated three runs to take a 5-1 lead courtesy of a sacrifice fly by Travis Demeritte, a bases-loaded walk issued to Carlos Martinez and a RBI infield single from Didder.

The Blue Wahoos answered with a four-run top of the fourth inning to tie the game 5-5. Jose Siri started the scoring with a RBI double and Nay added a RBI single two at-bats later. TJ Friedl scored on a wild pitch and Nay scored the final run of the inning when LaValley grounded into a fielder's choice.

Mississippi recaptured the lead in the bottom of the fourth inning when Tyler Marlette grounded into a fielder's choice and Salazar scored from third base, making the score 6-5.

The M-Braves held a 6-5 lead until the top of the sixth inning when Nay smashed a solo home run over the center field wall, tying the game 6-6.

Pensacola capitalized on a wild pitch from Mississippi relief pitcher, Sean McLaughlin and a fielding error by shortstop, Didder that allowed Gonzalez to score in the top of the seventh inning to give the Blue Wahoos a 7-6 lead.

With two outs in the bottom of the seventh inning, M-Braves catcher, Carlos Martinez came through for his team as he planted a fly ball RBI single into right field. Marlette scored from second base, tying the game 7-7.

With the game tied 7-7 at the end of the ninth inning, the M-Braves and the Blue Wahoos headed into extra-innings for the third consecutive night. Pensacola took an 8-7 lead in the top of the 10th inning courtesy of a RBI single from catcher, Cassidy Brown.

Trailing 8-7 with two outs in the bottom of the 10th inning, Salazar proved to be clutch for the M-Braves once again as he sent a scorching line drive RBI single to right field, allowing Martinez to score, tying the game 8-8.

The Pensacola bats came to life in a big way in the top of the 11th inning as the offense exploded for four additional runs, gaining a 12-8 lead.

Mississippi added one run in the bottom of the 11th inning after Salazar scored on a sacrifice fly from Travis Demeritte but ultimately fell to the Blue Wahoos by a final score of 12-9.

Pensacola relief pitcher, Carlos Navas (4-1, 3.04) was credited with the win while Mississippi reliever, Kelvin Vasquez (3-2, 4.26) suffered the loss.

Mississippi and Pensacola will meet for the fifth and final game of the series at Trustmark Park at 7:00 p.m. (CST) to determine a series winner. The series is currently tied 2-2. RHP Enderson Franco (4-6, 3.61) has been named the M-Braves Monday night starter. Franco will battle against Pensacola LHP Seth Varner (4-1, 2.60.)

Monday night's contest will feature the SportClips Military Monday promotion presented by SportClips (military may purchase a $7 ticket in all seating areas, excluding Suite Level, when presenting a valid ID. One random fan, representing the military, will receive a SportClips Prize Pack.)

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Southern League Stories from July 15, 2018


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