SL1 Mississippi Braves

Wentz Outdueled by Dobnak in Shutout

Published on July 1, 2019 under Southern League (SL1)
Mississippi Braves News Release


PENSACOLA, FL - Randy Dobnak and the Pensacola Blue Wahoos (7-5, 45-37) handed the Mississippi Braves (6-6, 39-42) their third-straight loss on Monday night in a 1-0 shutout at Blue Wahoos Stadium.

Joey Wentz (L, 4-7) was on the wrong side of the decision on Monday but was stellar over 95 pitches in his 16th start of the season. Wentz allowed just one run on a double to Lewin Diaz in the third inning but posted all zeroes throughout the rest of his outing. Over 5.2 innings, the 21-year-old gave up one run on three hits with three walks and set a new career high with nine strikeouts. Over his last two starts, Wentz has allowed just one run over 11.2 innings with 17 strikeouts and seven walks.

The M-Braves didn't threaten against Pensacola starter Randy Dobnak (W, 4-0) on Monday night. The right-hander fired 7.0 shutout innings to win his fourth game for the Wahoos.

Mississippi had their best scoring opportunity in the top of the eighth inning. Alejandro Salazar led off with a single against Wahoos reliever Hector Lujan. Cristian Pache reached on a fielders' choice, attempting to move Salazar into scoring position with a bunt. Drew Waters cracked a single through the right side of the infield sending Pache to third and Waters moved to second base on the offline throw. Lujan induced a groundout with the infield drawn in from Tyler Neslony and another bounce out by Ryan Casteel to end the threat. Mississippi stranded seven runners on base but were 0-for-2 with runners in scoring position.

Connor Johnstone pitched behind Wentz and worked 2.1 innings of scoreless relief. Johnstone hasn't allowed a run over his last two outings and 7.1 innings pitched since his return from Triple-A Gwinnett.

Waters had the M-Braves' lone multi-hit game, going 2-for-4, his 29th multi-hit effort of the year.

The third game of the four-game set is on Tuesday night at Blue Wahoos Stadium. RHP Jasseel De La Cruz (1-3, 3.62) starts for the Braves against LHP Charlie Barnes (0-2, 3.94) for the Wahoos. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 pm with coverage beginning at 6:20 pm on 103.9 WYAB, TuneIn Radio and MiLB.tv (subscription required).

The Braves return to Trustmark Park for a six-game series against the Biloxi Shuckers and Independence Day Celebration. The series begins with a Supersized Independence Day Fireworks Extravaganza following the 6:35 pm July 4 contest on Thursday. Visit mississippibraves.com for tickets 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.

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Southern League Stories from July 1, 2019


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