Sports stats

SL1 Mississippi Braves

Wentz Flirts with Perfect Game in 2-1 Win over Jacksonville

May 2, 2019 - Southern League (SL1)
Mississippi Braves News Release


PEARL, MS - Joey Wentz retired the first 18 Jacksonville batters on Thursday night, losing a perfect game bid in the seventh inning, but ending up with 7.0 innings of one-hit baseball and his first Double-A victory. The Mississippi Braves (12-13) won their second straight over the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp (10-17) at Trustmark Park, 2-1.

The offense handed Wentz a lead right away on Thursday night, scoring first for an eighth straight game. Drew Waters opened the first inning with a hit for the seventh consecutive game, extending his hitting streak. Waters' single was followed by a double from Cristian Pache, his 14th extra-base hit on the year. Ryan Casteel brought home Waters with a groundout and Mississippi led 1-0.

Connor Lien began the bottom of the second inning with a single and promptly stole second base. He moved to third base on a groundout by Luis Valenzuela and scored on a sacrifice fly to center by Ray-Patrick Didder.

The 2-0 lead was more than enough for Wentz (W, 1-1). The 21-year-old left-hander walked Magneuris Sierra to begin the seventh inning to halt the perfect game and then Corey Bird singled to left-center breaking up the no-hit bid. Wentz minimized the threat and retired the next three batters to strand both runners on base.

Wentz had allowed a career-high seven runs and eight hits in his previous start on April 26 at Mobile but turned in arguably his best career start on Thursday. Wentz allowed just one hit over 7.0 shutout innings, the longest outing by an M-Braves starting pitcher this season, striking out five and walking one on 94 pitches.

Huascar Ynoa (S, 1) took over for Wentz in the eighth inning and struck out one over a 1-2-3 inning. The hard-throwing 20-year-old gave up a run but struck out two in the ninth to record his first professional save.

The 20-year-old duo of Waters and Pache continue to move up the Southern League leaderboard in most offensive categories. Pache ranks second in the league in batting at .337 and Waters is third at .333. Waters leads the league with 15 extra-base hits and Pache is second with 14.

The M-Braves will go for the series win on Friday night at Trustmark Park. LHP Tucker Davidson (0-0, 0.95) makes the start for Mississippi against Jacksonville RHP Robert Dugger. First pitch is set for 6:35 pm with coverage beginning at 6:20 pm on 103.9 WYAB, TuneIn Radio, MiLB First Pitch app. and MiLB.TV (subscription required).

Friday's Promotions:

* Fan Friday Giveaway - M-Braves Replica Jersey - The first 1,000 fans will receive a Mississippi Braves Replica Jersey, presented By St. Dominic's.

* Strikeout Stroke Night - The Mississippi Braves and St. Dominic's partner for a night of Stroke Awareness at Trustmark Park. Each year, 800,000 Americans have strokes.

* Disney Trip For 4 Compliments of McGhee Cruise & Vacation - Rescheduled from Saturday, April 13 - One lucky fan will win a vacation for 4 to Walt Disney World in Florida, courtesy of Mcgehee Cruise & Vacation. Package includes 3 Night Disney resort stay and 3 days admission to Walt Disney World for up to 4 in a room. Drawing will be during the game on and you must be present to win. Must be 21 to enter.

* WAPT Day With Appearances By Miss Mississippi and Seth Powers - Miss Mississippi Asya Branch will be on hand to take pictures and sign autographs from 5:30-7:30. American Idol Contestant Seth Powers will throw out a first pitch and sing the 7th Inning Stretch.

* Trustmark $10K Dash For Cash - $10K in cash will be spread out in the outfield and 10 lucky fans will have 1 minute to collect as much cash as possible, presented by Trustmark.

* Kids Run The Bases - After each Friday and Sunday home game, kids 14-and-under are invited to come run the bases like the pros after the game!

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

For tickets or more information visit mississippibraves.com or call 888-BRAVES4.

The Mississippi Braves are the Double-A affiliate of the Atlanta Braves. Since the inaugural 2005 season, 139 M-Braves have gone on to Major League Baseball. The M-Braves have made postseason play four times and went on to win the Southern League Championship in 2008. Stop by Trustmark Park or call 888-BRAVES4 Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. For the latest news and updates, visit mississippibraves.com or connect with @mbraves on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Check out the Mississippi Braves Statistics



Southern League Stories from May 2, 2019


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.

Other Recent Mississippi Braves Stories



Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew
OurSports Central