M-Braves drop rain-shortened game 1-0

PEARL, MS -- After a fantastic game two performance by a 19-year-old hurler, the Mississippi Braves (33-35) were getting another one before whipping winds and heavy rain put an end to game three against the Montgomery Biscuits (36-32) in the sixth inning Friday night. 
For the Biscuits, right-hander Mike Franco got the start. Franco was on point in his short outing, giving up just one hit and a walk in his three innings. He also struck out four batters before giving way to Fernando Baez to start the fourth. Baez (1-3) pitched the fourth and fifth before the delay, walking one and striking out one while working around two hits for a scoreless outing in the win.

Offensively, the M-Braves were stymied by the approach of Franco and Baez. Mississippi hitters managed just five baserunners. Ronald Acuña Jr. was 1-for-2 with a single, but was thrown out trying to steal second in the first inning. Luis Valenzuela and Jared James each added a single in two tries but were left stranded along with Sal Giardina, who walked twice. The best chance for the home team came in the fourth, when Valenzuela and James were at first and second with two outs, but Levi Hyams was unable to bring them in to score.
In the sixth, with a batter on first and no outs, a monsoon engulfed Trustmark Park, as winds up to 60 mph chased fans and players alike to cover. After almost an hour delay, the game was called and the victory awarded to Montgomery. Game four is set for 6:00 PM Saturday.
Montgomery: 1-7-0
Mississippi: 0-3-0
WP: Baez
LP: Allard
Attn: 3592
Time: 1:17 (:49 delay)