IL1 Gwinnett Stripers

R-Braves win series opener

Published on July 14, 2007 under International League (IL1)
Gwinnett Stripers News Release


Columbus, OH - The Richmond Braves defeated the Columbus Clippers, 6-1, in the first game of a four-game series at Cooper Stadium. The Braves improved to 51-39 and the Clippers dropped to 41-52 on the season.

The Braves scored four runs in the third inning. Richmond collected three-straight RBI singles that were followed with a RBI double by Doug Clark. Pete Orr, Larry Bigbie and Graham Koonce quickly gave the Braves a 3-0 lead. Doug Clark drove home Bigbie, with his double to right field, to cap the inning and put Richmond in front 4-0.

Richmond added to their lead with two more runs in the sixth. Doug Clark gave the Braves some insurance when he blasted a two-run homer to right field. The Clark home run plated Koonce, who drew a walk earlier in the inning.

The six runs were all the Braves needed as Lance Cormier cruised in seven-scoreless innings. In his longest outing of the season, Cormier earned his second win and improved to 2-1 with a 5.10 ERA. Will Startup pitched a scoreless eighth before Zach Schreiber allowed the Clippers to break up the shutout. Schreiber, who allowed a double and a triple, was promoted from double-A Mississippi earlier in the day.

Clippers' starter Emiliano Fruto was drilled for six runs in five innings of action. He picked up the loss and fell to 3-6 with a 4.45 ERA. Chris Michalak and Felix Diaz each saw action out the Columbus' pen. Michalak dealt a scoreless sixth and seventh inning while Diaz kept the Braves off the board in the eighth and ninth innings.

Doug Clark, who was 2-for-3 with a double and a home run, led the Richmond offense. Gregor Blanco, who was 1-for-5 in the win, also collected a double.

The Braves continue their six-game road trip in the second of the four-game series at Columbus. The Braves are scheduled to start RHP Blaine Boyer (1-0, 5.09 ERA). The Clippers have not announced a probable for game two. Chris Michalak was scheduled to get the nod but made a relief appearance in Saturday night's contest. First pitch on Sunday is scheduled for 5:05 p.m.

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International League Stories from July 14, 2007


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