M-Braves shut out by Biscuits in series opener on Saturday

PEARL, MS - The Mississippi Braves (7-7) hit into three double plays over the first four innings on Saturday night and couldn't crack the scoreboard in a 5-0 series-opening loss to the Montgomery Biscuits (9-6) at Trustmark Park. 

The M-Braves entered play on Saturday as the league-leader in extra-base hits and the home team collected three more to push their total to 43 through 14 games. Drew Waters  doubled to begin the bottom of the first inning and Ryan Casteel  doubled to begin the second inning. Each was left stranded on inning-ending double plays. Waters' first-inning two-bagger was his league-leading seventh on the year. 

Patrick Weigel  (L, 0-1) made his third start and worked 2.0 innings in his second straight start, still working his way back from Tommy John Surgery. The Biscuits pushed across a run in the first inning without the benefit of a base hit. Lucius Fox opened the inning by reaching on a fielding error by Braves' first baseman Andy Wilkins and moved to second on an errant pick-off throw by Weigel. Fox was granted third base on a balk and then scored on a wild pitch. 

The game remained 1-0 until the eighth inning with Mississippi having scoring chances in fourth, fifth and seventh. Their starter Ricardo Pinto (W, 1-1) had some luck on Saturday, walking five and striking out just two in the win. 

Jeremy Walker  took over for Weigel in the third inning and went 5+ innings for the third time this season in three appearances. After 5.0 shutout innings, Walker surrendered back-to-back hits in the eighth inning and left after issuing his first walk of the season. Jason Hursh  took over and gave up an RBI fielders choice and then back-to-back walks. The Biscuits capped off their four-run inning on a sacrifice fly by Brett Sullivan. Walker worked 5.1 innings and gave up three runs on five hits. The 23-year-old has only allowed four runs over 16.1 innings with 11 strikeouts and one walk over three outings behind Weigel. 

The M-Braves stranded eight on base and went 1-for-9 with runners in scoring position in the 5-0 loss. Cristian Pache  finished 1-for-3 with a walk and has hit in 12 of 14 games this season. 

The M-Braves and Montgomery Biscuits will meet for an Easter Matinee on Sunday. LHP Joey Wentz will make the start for Mississippi against RHP Sam McWilliams for Montgomery. First pitch is set for 1:05 pm CT with coverage beginning at 12:50 pm on 103.9 FM, the TuneIn Radio app and MiLB.tv. 

Sunday's Promotions:
Easter Egg Hunt - Bring your basket and enjoy a pre-game Easter Egg Hunt on the field and take home great Mississippi Braves prizes! The Easter Egg Hunt starts at 12:20.
Mugshots Sunday FamilyFest Sunday - Take advantage of a ticket deal and bring out the entire family. Receive (1) Dugout Level seat, (1) hot dog, (1) 16 oz fountain soda, (1) small popcorn, (1) M-Braves cap, and (1) FREE Fun Zone wristband FOR ONLY $18. Additional tickets with extras are $18 each. (AVAILABLE AT THE BOX OFFICE ONLY)
Live Petting Zoo - The first five Sunday games will feature a live Petting Zoo, courtesy of Green Top Acres that will include mini-horses, goats, sheep and of course, bunny rabbits!
Kids Run The Bases - After each Friday and Sunday home game, kids 14-and-under are invited to come run the bases like the pros after the game!

The homestand continues back-to-back 10:35 am games on Monday and Tuesday and the series will wrap up with a First Responders Wednesday on April 24 with first pitch at 6:35 pm. 

For tickets visit mississippibraves.com/tickets or call 888-BRAVES4!