M-Braves Leadoff Series with 3-1 Win Over Lookouts

PEARL, MS - The Mississippi Braves (26-23, 55-64) defeated the Chattanooga Lookouts (20-29, 56-62) by a final score of 3-1 in Tuesday night's series opener at Trustmark Park. The M-Braves were led by Atlanta Braves No. 5 overall prospect, Cristian Pache who powered the M-Braves offense by going 2-for-4 at the plate with a 2B, 1 R, and 1 RBI. Atlanta Braves No. 3 overall prospect, Ian Anderson also provided the M-Braves with four solid innings of work in his Double-A debut. Anderson finished the game with a final line of 4.0 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 4 BB, 2 K, and 0 HR.  
The M-Braves captured an early lead as they plated two runs in the bottom of the first inning. Pache lead off the game with a scorching double to center field and then reached third base on a fielding error by Lookouts center fielder, Tanner English. Pache scored the game's first run after Alejandro Salazar sent a sacrifice fly to center field. Tyler Neslony followed Salazar by roping the M-Braves second double of the game. Travis Demeritte drove in Neslony with a RBI ground ball single to center field, giving the M-Braves a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning.

The Lookouts responded in the top of the second inning as they cut the scoring deficit to one run after Zander Wiel singled on a ground ball to center field, scoring Brain Navarreto.
The M-Braves extended their lead 3-1 in the bottom of the seventh inning courtesy of a RBI single to left field from the bat of Pache which allowed Sal Giardina to cross the plate.
M-Braves relief pitcher, Elian Leyva (3-2, 3.00) earned the win. Leyva entered the game in the top of the fifth inning and tossed 4.0 innings of scoreless baseball, allowing just one hit and striking out two. Lookouts starter, Tyler Wells (0-2, 1.69) suffered the loss. Jason Hursh was credited with his third save of the season after slamming the door on the Lookouts offense in the bottom of the ninth inning. Hursh pitched one inning, allowed just one hit, and struck out two in his lone inning of work.
The Mississippi Braves and the Chattanooga Lookouts will meet again tomorrow night (Wednesday, August 15) in game two of the five game series at Trustmark Park at 7:00 p.m. (CST). LHP Ricardo Sánchez (1-4, 5.65) is scheduled to start Wednesday night's contest for the M-Braves. Opposite of Sanchez on the mound will be Lookouts RHP Omar Bencomo (7-6, 3.63). Wednesday's game will feature AMR First Responders Wednesday presented by AMR (all First Responders/Emergency Response personnel, including law enforcement and firefighters, may purchase a $7 ticket in all seating areas, excluding Suite Level, when presenting ID.)
The Mississippi Braves are the Double-A affiliate of the Atlanta Braves. Since the inaugural 2005 season, over 125 M-Braves have gone on to Major League Baseball. The M-Braves have made postseason play four times and went on to win the Southern League Championship in 2008. Stop by Trustmark Park or call 888-BRAVES4 Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. For the latest news and updates, visit mississippibraves.com or connect with @mbraves on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.