SL1 Mississippi Braves

Pedroza's Swat Evens Critical M-Braves Series

Published on August 31, 2013 under Southern League (SL1)
Mississippi Braves News Release


Jacksonville, FL - Locked in a 2-2 tie in the ninth inning, Jaime Pedroza slugged a two-run home run on a first-pitch fastball from Scott McGough, sending the Mississippi Braves to a 3-2 win over the Jacksonville Suns on Friday night at Bragan Field.

The win evened the series at a game apiece with three games remaining in the season. The two teams are the only two still alive for the final Southern League playoff spot.

Much like Thursday, Friday night's matchup was a close battle between two evenly matched teams. Ian Thomas pitched a gem through six innings, allowing just two hits for the Braves, one of which was a solo home run by Austin Barnes in the first inning to stake the Suns to a 1-0 early lead.

Mississippi came charging back in the third. Dan Brewer reached on an error to start the inning. With two outs, Christian Bethancourt smoked a double to left-center to tie the game. Tommy La Stella followed up with an RBI single, giving the Braves a 2-1 lead.

The lead held up until the eighth when Barnes again came through, this time with a two-out RBI single off reliever Pat Egan to tie the game, setting up the drama in the ninth.

For Jacksonville, Anthony DeSclafani gave up just two unearned runs on four hits over seven innings. McGough suffered his second loss of the season, while Egan earned his seventh win for the Braves. Ryne Harper earned his 11th save, pitching a scoreless bottom of the 9th.

With Mobile's win over Pensacola, the Braves and Suns are now tied for second place in the South, 1/2-game back, but the BayBears are already in the playoffs by virtue of their first half division victory.

If the BayBears hold on, the league's wildcard rule states that the next best overall record - not second half record - gets into the playoffs. The Braves lead that race by 2 1/2 games over the Suns.

Game three of the five-game series takes off on Saturday night at 6:05 PM CT from Bragan Field. Mississippi sends right-hander Aaron Northcraft (8-8, 3.40) against left-hander Adam Conley (11-7, 3.23) in the critical matchup.

Listen live to Kyle Tait on the call beginning at 5:30 PM CT with the Mississippi Braves "Countdown to First Pitch" online at MississippiBraves.com.

Check out the Mississippi Braves Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Southern League Stories from August 31, 2013


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