Byrne Slams BayBears to Braves Beating
Barry Enright (3-1) tossed seven solid innings while striking out seven despite surrendering three runs in the top of the second on a pair of home runs. After Mauro Gomez led off the frame with a single, he came home on a two-run jack by Donell Linares. Two batters later, Michael Daniel drilled a big fly to right, putting the Braves (23-23) up by three.
Southpaw Richard Sullivan (1-4) allowed the BayBears (23-23) to get one back in the bottom of the second when Taylor Harbin walked with two outs and advanced to second in front of a single to right by Jake Elmore.
In the third, the BayBears were able to come all the way back and then some while Evan Frey commenced the rally by drawing a one-out walk. Collin Cowgill singled and both men scooted up a base when Kory Casto bounced out to first. Konrad Schmidt was walked to load the bases for Bryan Byrne, who hammered a 2-1 fastball over the wall in left for a go-ahead grand slam to put the BayBears up 5-3.
The BayBears tacked on another bunch in the sixth with Elmore doubling and scoring on a check-swing double down the first-base line by Enright. Frey singled home Ollie Linton to make it 7-3. A fielder's choice off the bat of Cowgill scored Enright while Cowgill came home on a knock by Schmidt. Eight of the nine BayBears in the starting lineup posted base hits while each starter reached base at least once.
Leyson Septimo relieved Enright in the eighth and was filthy with five strikeouts in his two scoreless innings. He punched out the side in order in the eighth before allowing a lead-off single in the ninth. He fanned Cody Johnson to end the ballgame on a 3-2 fastball.
The BayBears continue their five-game set with the M-Braves on Thursday night at 7:05. It's Thirsty Thursday at "The Hank" with $1 Buds and Pepsi available from 6 to 8 p.m. For tickets, which start at $5 for kids and $7 for adults, call (251) 479-BEAR or log on to www.mobilebaybears.com. For more information on the Hank Aaron Childhood Home & Museum, please visit www.hankaaronstadium.com.