Barons Walk Off Against Braves for Second Time

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Mitch Roman delivered the game-winning sacrifice fly as the Birmingham Barons (18-25) walked off against the Mississippi Braves (19-23) on Sunday afternoon at Regions Field.

After Blake Rutherford singled to lead off the ninth, Ti'Quan Forbes, batting in place of pitcher Luis Martinez after the Barons forfeited their designated hitter earlier in the game, sent a pinch-hit single to center. A wild pitch allowed both baserunners to move into scoring position, which set the table for Roman's sacrifice fly.
Roman sent a fly to mid-right field and Rutherford avoided the tag on a close play the plate to seal the 2-1 win.
Rutherford tied the game back in the sixth inning with an RBI-single through the right side. The White Sox No. 9 prospect picked up his fifth multi-hit effort of the season in the win.
Gavin Sheets also collected a pair of hits to continue his impressive stretch at the plate. The 23-year-old first baseman has hit safely in 11 of his past 13 contests, which includes consecutive multi-hit games against Mississippi.
Luis Martinez (W, 2-1) earned the win in relief after he tossed 1.2 scoreless frames. The right-hander allowed just one hit and struck out one. He, along with southpaw Hunter Schryver, combined for 3.2 shutout innings out of the bullpen.
Barons starter Blake Battenfield settled for a no-decision in his first start at Regions Field since he earned a promotion from Class-A Advanced Winston-Salem on May 10. The former 17th-round selection out of Oklahoma State scattered four hits and struck out a season-high seven batters in the outing.
Right-hander Claudio Custodio (L, 1-1) took the loss in relief for the Braves.
With their third win of the series, Birmingham clinched its second series win of the season. The lone previous series victory for the Barons occurred April 15-19 when they claimed four wins in five games on the road against Jacksonville.
Birmingham and Mississippi will conclude their five-game series Monday night at Regions Field as Barons left-hander Kodi Medeiros (0-5, 6.04) opposes Braves left-hander Kyle Muller (1-1, 2.27).
First pitch is set for 7:05 p.m. CT and the game will be broadcast via WJQX-FM 100.5.
Coverage of Monday's game will begin at 6:50 p.m. with the Coca-Cola Pregame Show.
- BARONS -
The Birmingham Barons are the proud Double-A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox. For ticket information, game schedule, promotions calendar or additional information about Regions Field, please visit barons.com or call (205) 988-3200.
Southern League Champions: 1906 • 1912 • 1914 • 1928 • 1929 • 1931 • 1958 • 1967 • 1983 • 1987 • 1989 • 1993 • 2002 • 2013
33-Year Double-A Affiliate of the Chicago White Sox