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SL1 Mississippi Braves

Tennessee Stops M-Braves Winning Streak in Series Opener

August 1, 2019 - Southern League (SL1)
Mississippi Braves News Release


PEARL, MS - The Mississippi Braves (20-20, 53-56) returned home on Thursday night to open a five-game homestand against the Tennessee Smokies (14-27, 47-63) at Trustmark Park. The Chicago Cubs affiliate took the opener, 3-1, stopping Mississippi's winning streak at four. The Braves close the season with 21 of their final 31 games at Trustmark Park.

Kurt Hoekstra (L, 1-1) made a spot start for the M-Braves on Thursday night, taking the place of Joey Wentz who was traded to the Tigers on Wednesday. The 26-year-old gave up two runs, one earned, on four hits with two walks and one strikeout over 2.0 innings in his second career start. Overall, five M-Braves pitchers combined to allow just two earned runs in the game.

Hoekstra walked back-to-back batters to begin the second inning. Charcer Burks reached on an infield single, and a throwing error by C.J. Alexander let Roberto Caro score and give Tennessee a 1-0 lead. Zach Davis hit a single plate a second run, and it was 2-0.

The Smokies added to their lead in the third inning against new M-Braves pitcher Claudio Custodio. An error led to a Roberto Caro sacrifice fly, upping the score to 3-0. Custodio pitched effectively over the rest of his outing, allowing just one unearned run on two hits with no walks and four strikeouts over 4.0 innings.

Mississippi finally got to Smokies starter Luis Lugo (W, 5-0) in the fourth inning. William Contreras singled with one out and then scored on a double down the right field line by Trey Harris. Contreras was 2-for-3 with a walk and run scored and is batting .371 over his last ten games. The Braves trailed 3-1.

Josh Graham surrendered a solo home run to Tyler Payne in the eighth inning to stretch Tennessee's lead to 4-1. Graham struck out one and gave up the lone run on two hits over 2.0 innings. Jordan Harrison added a scoreless inning in the ninth.

Cristian Pache finished 2-for-4 in the series opener, recording his 28th double and 47th extra-base hit of the season. The top prospect for the Atlanta Braves also notched his 30th multi-hit game in the process.

The M-Braves will try and bounce back in game two of the five-game set on Friday night at Trustmark Park. LHP Kyle Muller (7-6, 3.14) will make the start for Mississippi against RHP Cory Abbott (5-7, 3.68). First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 pm CT with coverage beginning at 6:20 pm on 103.9 FM, First Pitch App. and TuneIn Radio. The game will also be streamed on MiLB.tv (subscription required).

Thursday's Promotions:

Chris Maloney Bobblehead Giveaway - The first 1,000 fans will receive a Chris Maloney Bobblehead doll to celebrate the Jackson native and M-Braves manager.

Trustmark Dash For Cash - $1,000 in cash will be spread out in the outfield, and ten lucky fans will have 1 minute to collect as much cash as possible.

Kids Run The Bases - After each Friday and Sunday home game, kids 14-and-under are invited to run the bases after the game.

Free Fist Bump - As part of our Fan Friday promotion, every fan coming through the gates will receive a FREE FIST BUMP from an M-Braves representative.

Entergy Night - All Entergy employees with the presentation of ID receive a $3 field or dugout level ticket.

Visit mississippibraves.com for tickets or call 888-BRAVES4.

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