Barons Get Walk-off Win Against Braves

By Jeff Allison

Barons outfielder Jacob Burke gets the walk-off single in the last inning as the Barons get by the Mississippi Braves 1-0 in the first game of the seven-inning doubleheader at Regions Field on Saturday afternoon.

The Barons had a few opportunities to score earlier in the game but could not push through any runs. Barons starting pitcher Jairo Iriarte pitched five solid innings, giving up only four hits, no runs, no walks, and six strikeouts. Iriarte hasn't given up an earned run in 13.0 innings in three games started on the season.

In the top of the third inning, the Barons flashed the defense with two Braves runners on first and second base. Nacho Alvarez grounded to Bryan Ramos, who stepped on third base and threw a one-hopper to Tim Elko, who stretched for the out. The Barons turned their eighth double play of the season to keep the score at 0-0.

In the bottom of the third inning, Tyler Neslony singles to right field, steals second base, and advances to third on a Jason Mathews single to left field, but the Barons stranded another scoring opportunity.

At the bottom of the fifth, Michael Turner singled to the right field. Pinch runner Duke Ellis stole second and third base with one out, but Tyler Neslony grounded to first base, and Ellis was thrown out at home. The game remained scoreless.

In the bottom of the seventh, Tim Elko singles to centerfield, and Duke Ellis singles to right field, pushing Elko to third. Jacob Burke gets the walk-off single to score Elko and give the Barons a 1-0 in the first game of the seven-inning doubleheader.

Next, rain washed out the second game of the doubleheader, and will play another doubleheader on Sunday starting at 1:45 pm at Regions Field.