Bizarre Play Ends D-Braves 5-3 Win

DANVILLE, Va. - The Danville Braves overcame the Bristol Pirates with a 5-3 win on Monday night, but not before executing a unique double play to finish the game.

With one out and runners at first and second in the top of the ninth inning, D-Braves pitcher Brooks Wilson induced a pop fly to first baseman Brett Langhorne. With the infield fly rule in effect, Langhorne went to catch the ball and bumped into Pirates baserunner Sherten Apostel. Langhorne was unable to retrieve the popup, and Apostel was charged with interference on the play, resulting in a unassisted double play to give the D-Braves the win.
The D-Braves struck first in the game. In the top of the first, Brendan Venter brought home AJ Graffanino on a bloop single to shallow right field, handing Danville a 1-0 advantage.
The Pirates came back with a pair of runs in the fourth inning. Bristol opened up the inning with back-to-back singles. After a force out at second base, Francisco Mepris singled in a run to tie it up. A few batters later, Bristol took a 2-1 lead off a wild pitch from starter, Jose Montilla.
Soon after being named Appalachian League pitcher of the week, Montilla pitched 4.2 innings and allowed two runs, allowing six hits and two walks over 83 pitches.
The D-Braves took advantage of poor Pirates pitching and defensive miscues in the fifth inning. With the bases juiced for Venter, he grounded to the Pirates third baseman Apostel, who bobbled the ball and allowed Justin Dean to score, tying the game at 2-2. Langhorne followed with a walk, scoring AJ Graffanino, reclaiming the lead at 3-2. Greg Cullen finished the three-run inning with an RBI groundout.
Zach Guth earned his first win of his professional career after pitching 1.2 innings, surrendering a run and three walks.
Brooks Wilson earned his first save of the season with three solid innings of work. The former Stetson closer only allowed one hit and struck out four Pirates.
The D-Braves close out their homestand with a bang. Tuesday's homestand ends with a Independence Day firework show after the game. D-Braves play the Pirates at 7 p.m.