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SAL Rome Emperors

Rome Splits Doubleheader with Bowling Green

July 8, 2021 - South Atlantic League (SAL)
Rome Emperors News Release


Rome Braves congratulate Jesse Franklin V on his game-winning home run
Rome Braves congratulate Jesse Franklin V on his game-winning home run
(Rome Emperors)

In a night full of offensive woes, it was the single swing of a bat that made all the difference at State Mutual Stadium. Jesse Franklin V crushed a two-run walk-off homer in Game 1 of Thursday's doubleheader, lifting Rome (31-25) to a split in the two matchups against Bowling Green (36-20).

Game 1, Rome wins 2-1

The R-Braves generated one of their most remarkable victories of all-time in the first game of Thursday's doubleheader. The Hot Rods scored a run in the top of the third inning to control a 1-0 advantage. Bowling Green carried a perfect game bid into the last inning. Michael Harris II earned a one-out walk and, after a Kevin Josephina flyout, Jesse Franklin V came up to the plate with a chance to be the hero. Down to his last strike, the former Michigan Wolverine did just that by launching a team-leading 12th home run past the trees on Home Run Hill. His two-run blast in the bottom of the seventh served as Rome's only hit in the matchup and propelled the R-Braves to a 2-1 come-from-behind triumph.

Franklin finished 1-for-3 with two RBI and one run. Harris touched home plate after picking up a base-on-balls. The only other Brave to get aboard was Shean Michel, who reached on a fielding error in the bottom of the first inning.

Right-handed pitcher Coleman Huntley III had a fantastic start for Rome. The Grass Valley, Cali., native surrendered one run on one hit and one walk in five innings pitched. Huntley recorded five strikeouts on Thursday night. Gabriel Noguera received credit for the win, improving his season record to 1-1. He did not allow a single base runner and struck out one Hot Rod in two innings.

Game 2, Bowling Green wins 7-0

Bowling Green was able to exact some revenge on Rome with a 7-0 shutout win in the doubleheader's nightcap. The Hot Rods scored two runs off R-Braves starter Mitch Stallings in the second inning before tagging him for four more runs in the fifth. Marrick Crouse allowed another run in the fifth inning to give Bowling Green a seven-run lead. Bowling Green pitching was as dominant as ever, surrendering just one hit to the Rome offense.

Andrew Moritz was 1-for-2, reaching on a leadoff single in the bottom of the sixth inning. Cody Milligan (0-for-1) and Bryce Ball (0-for-1) were walked two times each.

Stallings pitched 4 1/3 innings, allowing six earned runs on ten hits and one walk. He struck out two Hot Rods but gave up four home runs. Crouse relieved Stallings, going 1 2/3 innings and surrendering one earned run on two hits while tallying one strikeout. Indigo Diaz pitched the final frame, recording two K's.

The Braves offense struggled mightily, going 2-for-43 between the two games. They will look to right the ship, sooner rather than later, in this week's home series.

Up Next

With the doubleheader split, Rome is unable to gain any ground on Bowling Green in the High-A East South. The R-Braves trail the Hot Rods by five games in the division and will look to battle back in the final four games of this week's series.

The two teams will lock horns again tomorrow in Floyd County. First pitch at State Mutual Stadium is set for 7 p.m. EDT. The first 1,000 fans through the gates will receive a Rome Braves/State Mutual Stadium umbrella. The umbrella giveaway is presented by State Mutual Insurance. Those unable to attend the game can view the game's broadcast (audio and video) on MiLB.tv. For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit RomeBraves.com/Promotions or call the Rome Braves Box Office at 706-378-5144.

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Rome Braves congratulate Jesse Franklin V on his game-winning home run
Rome Braves congratulate Jesse Franklin V on his game-winning home run
   



South Atlantic League Stories from July 8, 2021


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