Five-Run 1st Sends Orioles Past Braves
Bluefield got started quickly posting five quick runs off D-Braves starter Chris Masters, who entered the game with a 1.95 ERA. Gary Helmick led off with a single and Omar Casamayor reached on an error on Masters. An infield single quickly loaded the bases. After a fly out, Corey Thomas hit a grounder just past the glove of third baseman Jordan Kreke down the third base line for a two-run double. An intentional walk re-loaded the bases, and Lance West hit a grounder identical to Thomas' that cleared the bases to make it 5-0.
The Braves scored their first run in the fourth as Cory Harrilchak led off with a single and moved to second on a passed ball. A balk by O's starter Vito Frabizio advanced him to third and he came around on a groundout by Robbie Hefflinger.
Danville added only one more run in the eighth when shortstop Mycal Jones reached second on a throwing error by Mike Flacco at third with two out. Harrilchak's single scored Jones to make it 3-2.
Frabizio (2-2) earned the win, allowing one run (none earned) on three hits in six innings. He walked one and struck out five. Masters (3-3) took the loss, working four innings and allowing five runs (four earned) on five hits with two walks and three strikeouts. He now has just three walks on the season. Samuel Tavares picked up his first save working three innings to finish the game. Casey Hodges worked a scoreless inning of relief and Adam Bullard was terrific in four innings to close the game, surrendering just one hit and two walks with one strikeout.
Jones and Harrilchak had two hits apiece for Danville, while Harrilchak reached three times, adding a walk to his 2-3 performance. They were the only Braves to have hits in the game as the club tied a season-low with four total hits.
The Braves finish this brief three-game homestand with the first of four games against the Burlington Royals on Monday night at 7 p.m. The final three games of the series will be played in Burlington. Danville sends left-hander Brett Oberholtzer (1-1, 1.61 ERA) to the hill, trying to snap the Braves' second three-game losing streak of the season. It will be $1 Dog Monday at the ballpark, so bring the family, get some grub and cold beverages and enjoy some Braves baseball.
Fans can follow all Braves play-by-play action for home games on WMNA 106.3 FM or on the station's website www.espninva.com. For other information on the schedule, tickets, group nights, and/or partnership opportunities please contact the Danville Braves office at (434) 797-3792, [email protected], or log on to www.dbraves.com.