M-Braves defeat BayBears to even playoff series

MOBILE, AL -- The Mobile BayBears scored three runs in the ninth but the Mississippi Braves hung on to claim a 4-3 victory in game two of the Southern League South Divisional Series at Hank Aaron Stadium Friday night. The win evens the series at one game apiece. The two clubs return to Trustmark Park Saturday at 6:00 PM for game three.

 

Mississippi (1-1) scored four run on nine hits while Mobile (1-1) plated three runs on nine hits. Ian Thomas (1-0) gave up just four hits in five and two-thirds innings. He walked five and struck out four batters.

 

The M-Braves took a 1-0 lead in the top of the first. Christian Bethancourt singled and moved to third on Tommy La Stella's double to right field. Edward Salcedo followed with a sacrifice fly to right field, driving home Bethancourt for the game's first run.

 

Omar Luna and Robby Hefflinger blasted back-to-back home runs in the top of the sixth to extend the M-Braves lead to 3-0.

 

Omar Luna singled and stole second to start the eighth. Robby Hefflinger walked, and Christian Marrero followed with a single to right field, loading the bases with no outs. Dan Brewer then delivered a RBI-single to center, making it a 4-0 game.

 

In the bottom of the ninth, Garrett Weber doubled and moved to third on a ground out. Justin Greene followed with a single to right field, driving home Weber and cutting the Braves lead to 4-1. Nick Evans then belted a two-run homer to make it 4-3.

 

Ryne Harper (S, 1) came on to record the final four outs and notch the save. He gave up three earned runs on three hits and two strikeouts.

 

David Holmberg (0-1) tossed six innings for the BayBears, giving up three earned runs on five hits and two homers. He walked three and struck out six.

 

The Braves return to Trustmark Park for game three of the SLDS. M-Braves right-hander Gus Schlosser (7-6, 2.39) counters BayBears lefty Andrew Chafin (10-7, 2.85). First pitch is slated for 6:00 PM. Gates open at 5:00 PM. Listen live to Kyle Tait on the call beginning at 5:30 PM with the Mississippi Braves "Countdown to First Pitch" online at MississippiBraves.com.

 

Mississippi Braves (1-1):     4 R      9 H    0 E

Mobile BayBears (1-1):       3 R      9 H    0 E

 

W:       Ian Thomas (1-0)

L:         David Holmberg (0-1)

S:        Ryne Harper (1)

 

Time: 3:22

Attendance: 5,496