SL1 Mississippi Braves

Wentz Sets New Career High with 10 Strikeouts on Saturday

July 6, 2019 - Southern League (SL1)
Mississippi Braves News Release


PEARL, MS - The Mississippi Braves (6-11, 39-47) rallied to tie the Saturday's game at 1-1 in the eighth inning, but the Biloxi Shuckers (9-8, 50-37) responded with two runs in the ninth to hand the M-Braves their eighth-straight loss, 3-1. In the loss, Joey Wentz set a new career high with ten strikeouts over 7.0 innings.

Carlos Martinez led off the bottom of the eighth inning to put the tying run on base. Drew Waters hit a pinch-hit double down the left field line and pinch-runner Claudio Custodio sprinted around the bases but was called out at the plate. Ray-Patrick Didder followed with a single and then Riley Unroe drew a walk to load the bases. Biloxi removed reliever Nattino Diplan for Tyler Spurlin. Tyler Neslony greeted Spurlin with an RBI single to left scoring Waters to tie the game at 1-1. Spurlin struck out the next two batters and kept the game tied.

Biloxi plated two runs in the top of the ninth inning off of reliever Jonathan Aro (L, 3-1) to retake the lead and win 3-1.

Wentz continued his mastery on the mound and added 7.0 innings of one-run baseball, on five hits, with two walks and then ten strikeouts. Over his last three outings, the Leawood, Kansas native has 27 strikeouts over 18.1 innings, and only two runs allowed - a 0.99 ERA.

Biloxi starter Alec Bettinger worked 7.0 shutout innings opposite Wentz, and the first run didn't cross the plate until the sixth inning. Joantgel Segovia opened the frame with a double and then scored on a sacrifice fly by Patrick Leonard to make it 1-0.

Bradley Roney delivered a scoreless inning behind Wentz. Spurlin's win on the mound was his first for Biloxi since 2016 after missing the last two seasons with injuries.

The M-Braves eight-game losing streak is the longest since dropping 10-straight games, June 28-July 6, 2017.

On Sunday, the Braves will try to stop the skid in game four of the six-game series against the Shuckers. RHP Jasseel De La Cruz (1-4, 3.32) will face off against Biloxi RHP Dylan File (3-0, 1.99) in Sunday's tilt. First pitch is scheduled for 5:05 pm with coverage beginning at 4:50 pm on 103.9 WYAB, TuneIn Radio and MiLB.tv (subscription required).

Sunday's Promotions:

Mugshots Sunday Family Fun Day - Take advantage of a ticket deal and bring out the entire family. Receive (1) Dugout Level seat, (1) hot dog, (1) 16 oz fountain soda, (1) small popcorn, (1) M-Braves cap, and (1) FREE Fun Zone wristband FOR ONLY $18. Additional tickets with extras are $18 each. (AVAILABLE AT THE BOX OFFICE ONLY).

Petting Zoo - The first five Sunday games will feature a live Petting Zoo, courtesy of Green Top Acres that will include mini-horses, goats, sheep and of course, bunny rabbits!

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

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, 144 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 6, 2019


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