Danville hurlers ground Cards, win 4-1

DANVILLE, Va.- The Danville Braves shrugged off Wednesday night's walk-off loss and took a shutout into the 9th inning against the Johnson City Cardinals (16-19) before winning by a 4-1 tally Thursday night. Jaret Hellinger recorded his first professional save, and Bradley Keller's two run double in the 6th proved to be the big hit of the evening.

After a rain delay of just over 90 minutes held up the beginning of the contest, the Braves (18-17) scored first in the bottom of the 2nd inning. Facing Cardinals starter Edwar Ramirez, Luis Mejia would drive in Garrison Schwartz on a base hit to give the Braves a 1-0 lead. Ramirez would settle in, however, and hold the Braves scoreless into the 6th. Bruce Zimmermann, Jacob Belinda (3-0), and Taylor Hyssong were equally as impressive, if not more so, through the first six innings of play. The three Braves' pitchers combined for just two hits allowed while striking out 10 Cardinals.
In the 6th, a bases loaded double by Keller would plate Riley Delgado and Drew Lugbauer, and the Braves would add another run in the 8th on an RBI single from Schwartz. Jaret Hellinger would run into a little trouble in the 9th, surrendering a run, but would retire pinch hitter Jonathan Rivera via strikeout to end the threat and the game, giving the Braves a 4-1 victory.
For Danville, Schwartz and Keller both registered a pair of hits, combining for three doubles and three RBIs between them. The Braves pitchers limited the Cardinals' production to just five singles.
What's Next:
For the second time in as many weeks, the Braves and Cardinals square off on a Friday night. The 7 p.m. game features a special pregame concert by Ray Martin, as part of the Danville Braves Community Concert Series presented by Danville Toyota. It's also Blooper's Beach Bash, presented by Karen's Hallmark and LeBleu Water. Many of Blooper's mascot friends will be making appearances at Legion Field to celebrate the summer with a beach-themed evening. On the diamond, Huascar Ynoa will make his first start for the Braves since being acquired in the Jaime García trade last week. As an Elizabethton Twin, Ynoa was 0-1 with a 5.26 ERA. For tickets, call 434-797-3792 or visit dbraves.com.