M-Braves Drop Pitchers' Duel in Tennessee

Kodak, TN - The Mississippi Braves fell short of a comeback in Tennessee on Friday night, falling 2-1 to the Smokies at Smokies Stadium.

Manny Banuelos (0-1) took the loss, allowing two runs on six hits over five innings of work.

The Smokies (12-15; 40-57) got five shutout frames from Michael Wagner (1-0), who allowed just two hits and two walks while striking out seven.

Tennessee started the scoring in the first after Ian Happ singled and David Freitas hit an RBI double. They grew the lead to 2-0 when Kelly Dugan hit a pinch-hit home run in the fifth, his seventh of the season.

The Braves (15-13; 49-48) scored their lone run in the sixth. With two out, Dansby Swanson drew a walk, and Dustin Peterson drove him home with an RBI triple.

Steve Kent, AJ Minter and Caleb Dirks added a scoreless relief frame each for the Braves. David Garner (S, 3) earned the save for the Smokies with a scoreless ninth.

The Braves and Smokies continue the series on Saturday night with the fourth of five games, slated for 6:05 PM CT. Right-hander Lucas Sims (1-3, 2.98) takes the hill for Mississippi against right-hander Brad Markey for Tennessee.

Mississippi Braves (15-13, 49-48)                              1 R          6 H         0 E
Tennessee Smokies (12-15, 40-57)                           2 R          7 H         1 E

W - Wagner (1-0)
L - Banuelos (0-1)
S - Garner (3)
Time: 2:56
Attendance: 6,632