Pensacola takes series finale, defeats Braves 6-3
Braves magic number sits at 11 entering 10-game road trip
PEARL, MS -- The Mississippi Braves took a 2-0 lead but the Pensacola Blue Wahoos answered with six runs to defeat the Braves 6-3 in Sunday evening's series finale at Trustmark Park. The Braves now start a 10-game road trip with its magic number at 11.
Mississippi (33-21, 67-56) scored three runs on 11 hits while Pensacola (28-27, 69-56) plated six runs on 10 hits. Joseph Odom led the M-Braves offensively with a 3-for-4 night at the plate. For Pensacola, Sebastian Elizalde and Brandon Dixon both collected three-hit nights.
The M-Braves took a 2-0 lead in the second. Odom singled and Connor Lien drew a one-out walk to start the frame. Stephen Gaylor then delivered a RBI-single to center field. Lien also came in to score on the same play after a throwing error by the first baseman.
In the fourth, Elizalde singled and scored on a Dixon double to center field, cutting the Braves lead to 2-1.
Pensacola took a 5-2 in the eighth. Elizalde and Dixon both singled to put runners at the corners with one out. Zach Vincej then delivered a base hit to right, plating Elizalde. Vincej was later caught stealing but Eric Jagielo walked and scored on a Taylor Sparks two-run double to put the Blue Wahoos out front 4-2. Chad Wallach then added a RBI-single to plate the final run for the inning.
Both teams tacked on one more run apiece in the ninth to finish the game 6-3, Pensacola.
Carlos Gonzalez (6-3) picked up the win in relief, working the final three frames. Evan Phillips (5-2) surrendered three earned runs on three hits and a walk. He struck out two but suffered the loss.
Neither starter factored in the decision. For the Braves, Lucas Sims held Pensacola to one earned run on just three hits through six innings of work. He walked four and struck out seven. Nick Travieso also worked six frames for the Blue Wahoos. He surrendered two runs, one earned, on eight hits and two walks. He struck out three batters.
The M-Braves hit the road for a 10-game road trip before returning to Trustmark for the final five games for the regular season September 1-5. Mississippi goes to Biloxi and then Chattanooga. In game one against the Shuckers Monday night, the Braves send right-hander Patrick Weigel (0-0, 0.00) to the hill. First pitch is slated for 6:40 PM.
Pensacola (28-27, 69-56): 6 R 10 H 1 E
Mississippi (33-21, 67-56): 3 R 11 H 0 E
W: Carlos Gonzalez (6-3)
L: Evan Phillips (5-2)
Time: 2:55
Attendance: 2,185