Barons Drop Rain-Shortened Series Opener

BIRMINGHAM, AL - The Birmingham Barons dropped a rain-soaked opener to the Mississippi Braves at Regions Field by a 2-1 final score as play was suspended with no outs in the eighth inning.

Tonight's game marks the first rain-shortened contest at Regions Field since May 14, 2014 against Pensacola (five innings). All stats from tonight's game are official, and tickets for tonight's tilt will not be honored for a future home game.

Down 2-0 in the bottom of the seventh inning, Adam Engel rocked a triple over the head of Braves right fielder Dian Toscano to score Eddy Alvarez for Birmingham's lone run. Alvarez had gotten on base earlier in the inning, posting his second single as part of a 2-for-3 night at the plate.

Southpaw Blair Walters tossed a high quality start despite being tagged with a tough loss, lasting seven innings and allowing just two earned runs on eight hits. The California native walked two and struck out seven while tossing 69 strikes and 104 total pitches.

Robinson Leyer walked his lone batter faced in relief before the rain poured down on Regions Field, forcing the game to be called after a 43 minute delay.

Left-handed pitcher Jordan Guerrero is set to start tomorrow evening as the Barons look to even the series with a 7:05 p.m. Thirsty Thursday first pitch.

About the Birmingham Barons

The Birmingham Barons return to Regions Field to face the Mississippi Braves in their final first half series June 15-19. For further information about the Barons and the 2016 season at Regions Field, please call (205) 988-3200, visit www.barons.com, www.facebook.com/birminghambarons, @bhambarons on Twitter.