IL1 Gwinnett Stripers

R-Braves game notes

Published on September 3, 2006 under International League (IL1)
Gwinnett Stripers News Release


TODAY'S GAME: The fourth of a four game series and the 16th of 16 meetings vs. the Knights. The eighth of eight at Knights Stadium. Richmond is 7-8 vs. the Knights, 4-3 at Knights Stadium. Game four of a four game season ending road trip (Richmond is 2-1). The 48th of 48 meetings vs. South Division clubs (Braves are 25-22 vs. the South) and the 24th of 24 contests on the road vs. the South (Richmond is 11-12). The Braves were 8-8 vs. the Knights last season, 4-4 at Knights Stadium. The Braves are 107-122 all-time vs. Charlotte. The Braves are in fourth place in the South, a game behind Norfolk. Charlotte is the South Division champion. They lead the division by 15.5 games. Final regular season game for both clubs

YESTERDAY'S GAME: - Cesar Crespo belted a grand slam as visiting Richmond slugged its way to a 9-5 victory over Charlotte on Sunday. The Braves smacked a season high three home runs to earn their second straight win. Dax Norris hit a solo shot in the second inning and Carlos Mendez cranked a three-run homer in the third before Crespo cleared the bases with his fifth of the year in the fourth, giving the Braves (56-86) an 8-3 lead. Richmond starter Matt Wright (3-5) picked up the win after allowing three runs on six hits and three walks with four strikeouts over six innings. Charlotte starter Sean Tracey (8-9) surrendered eight runs on six hits over four frames. He struck out six and walked five. Angel Gonzalez hit a solo homer in the second and delivered an RBI double during a two-run eighth for the playoff-bound Knights (79-61). Ernie Young and Tony Torcato each drove in a run.

BRAVES DIG THE LONGBALL: Richmond enjoyed their first three home run game of the season yesterday. The last time the Braves hit three homers in a game was also at Knights Stadium last July 30. Cesar Crespo's grand slam was the Braves fifth of the season.

WHAT A RELIEF: Jonathan Johnson has 12 strikeouts in his last 7.1 innings. He has allowed just two earned runs in his last 12 outings over 18.2 innings pitched (0.96 ERA). Manny Acosta has not allowed a run in his last six appearances over six innings. Will Startup has allowed one earned run in his last 11 appearances over 14.1 innings (0.71 ERA). After allowing four runs in his first two outings with the Braves, Rich Scalamandre's string of eight straight scoreless outings ended yesterday.

NUMBERS OF NOTE: Gregor Blanco is four for his last seven and has reached base seven times in the last two games. Dax Norris is five for his last nine. Carlos Mendez has hits in three straight games (3-13 .231). Richmond has a winning record against South Division clubs (25-22). They are a combined 33 games under .500 vs. the North and West. Braves pitchers finished the season 19-85 at the plate (.224). Richmond pinch hitters are 9-57 (.158). The Braves are 37-58 vs. American League affiliates. Richmond is 4-17 in weekend road games. The Braves are tied with Toledo and Buffalo for second in the league in extra-inning games played (17). Richmond is 5-12 in extra innings. Rochester leads the league with 20. The Braves are tied with Norfolk for most wins when trailing after eight innings (4). The Braves are one game over .500 on the road against Charlotte, the only club in the IL the Braves have a winning record against on the road. Richmond is 12-24 in day games (.333).

THE ROSTER: Richmond's active roster now stands at 19 (nine pitchers, two catchers, four infielders, and four outfielders). The Braves have made 114 roster moves this season. 21 different Braves have been promoted to Atlanta. 17 players on Atlanta's current active roster were promoted from Richmond, including 11 pitchers. The Braves have used 52 players this season. Three other players reported to Richmond but did not get into a game. The Braves used a club record 60 players last season.

AND THE WINNER IS: Braves team award winners for 2006 are Tommie Aaron Memorial (Most Valuable Player): Scott Thorman. He hit .298 and led the Braves with 15 home runs in 81 games. Most Outstanding Pitcher: Manny Acosta. He leads the Braves with 16 saves following his promotion from Mississippi in mid-May. Clint Courtney Memorial Award (Most Competitive Player): Cesar Crespo. He started games at six different positions for the Braves (everywhere except pitcher, catcher and first base) while leading the club in steals. The John M. Zwack III Memorial Award (Most Community Minded Player) and Shirley Allday Award (Most Popular Player) went to RHP Will Startup.

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International League Stories from September 3, 2006


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