Bats Get Back To Winning Ways, Defeat Braves 6-3

LOUISVILLE, KY- Louisville center fielder Ryan Freel's go-ahead single in the bottom of the sixth was enough for the Bats to hold on, as they defeat Richmond 6-3 Thursday night in front of 7,318 fans at Louisville Slugger Field. The game was delayed one hour and 40 minutes due to rain.

The Bats flexed their offensive muscle, belting out 13 hits. Second basemen Mark Bellhorn's two-run blast over the right field wall added insurance runs in the bottom of the seventh. Bellhorn ended his night going 1-for-3 with three RBI and a run scored.

Shortstop Pedro Lopez went a perfect 3-for-3 with three singles and an RBI. Freel went 2-for-4, with the winning RBI and a run scored. Since beginning his rehab assignment from Cincinnati, Freel is 7-for-22 at the plate for Louisville.

Louisville starter Elizardo Ramirez (1-1, 2.45) secured the win, surrendering three runs, on eight hits, with three strikeouts in 6.0 innings of work. Bats closer Ricky Stone picked up his ninth save of the season.

Richmond starter Kevin Barry picked up the loss (3-4, 3.53), surrendering three runs, on six hits, while striking out four in 5.0 innings.

The Braves were led in hitting by third basemen Brayan Pena, who went 3-for-4, including a two-run home run. Left fielder Doug Clark and shortstop Brent Lillibridge each had multi-hit games for Richmond.

The Bats end their four-game series with the Braves tomorrow night. Louisville will send RHP Richie Gardner (1-0, 4.76) to the mound to face Richmond's RHP Ryan Baerlocher (1-2, 3.26). First pitch is set for 7:05 p.m.