Marrero drives in five as Braves pound Generals

PEARL, MS -- Christian Marrero drove in five runs including a three-run blast to lead the Mississippi Braves to an 11-2 victory of the Jackson Generals Friday night at Trustmark Park. Marrero's blast capped off a seven-run seventh for the M-Braves as the Braves solidified the win to even the series at two games apiece. The series continues with a Fan Appreciation Night doubleheader at 5:00 PM Saturday.

 

Mississippi (25-22, 63-54) scored 11 runs on 11 hits while Jackson (21-23, 50-60) plated two runs on seven hits. Both teams made three errors. Christian Bethancourt extended his on-base streak to 35 games with a double in the seventh. He's three games shy of Willie Cabrera's M-Braves record 38 games, set during the 2009 season.

 

After an hour and 34 minute rain delay, the Jackson Generals and Mississippi Braves finally got underway. The Generals jumped out to a quick 1-0 lead in the top of the first when Chris Taylor tripled and scored on a Julio Morban single to left field.

 

Jackson made it a 2-0 game in the second. Daniel Paolini and Jabari Blash reached on back-to-back singles to start the inning. Michael Dowd then grounded into a force out, putting runners at the corners. Taylor followed with a bunt single, allowing Paolini to score.

 

In the bottom of the second, Jaime Pedroza reached on an error and Omar Luna walked. Barrett Kleinknecht followed with a single to left, loading the bases with no outs. Christian Marrero then delivered a two-run double to right field, tying the game at 2-2. The M-Braves then took a 3-2 lead on Dan Brewer's sacrifice fly to center.

 

The M-Braves added a run in the fourth to make it a 4-2 game. Dan Brewer singled and took second on a wild pitch. Mycal Jones followed with an infield hit but an errant throw by the third baseman allowed Brewer to score from second.

 

A seven-run seventh extended to the M-Braves lead to 11-2. Bethancourt delivered a RBI-double down the left field line, extending his on-base streak and the M-Braves lead to 5-2. After the Braves loaded the bases, Kleinknecht followed with a sacrifice fly. Marrero belted a three-run homer off the roof of the Farm Bureau Grill, making it a 10-2 contest. Brewer tripled, and Jones drove him in with a double down the left field line to finish the scoring.

 

Mitch Atkins (4-1) worked seven innings to pick up the win for the M-Braves. He gave up two earned runs on seven hits and two walks while striking out five. Anthony Fernandez (8-6) surrendered the loss. He gave up four runs, two earned, on six hits and two walks in six innings pitched.

 

The M-Braves and Generals are scheduled for another doubleheader Saturday evening. In game one, Braves right-hander Michael Lee (6-8, 4.27) counters Generals lefty Roenis Elias (6-10, 3.19). The M-Braves have not announced a starter for game two. Jackson is set to send right-hander Forrest Snow (1-5, 3.34) to the hill. First pitch is scheduled for 5:00 PM. Gates open at 4:30 PM.

 

Jackson Generals (21-23, 50-60):             2 R 7 H    3 E

Mississippi Braves (25-22, 63-54):            11 R     11 H    3 E

 

W:       Mitch Atkins (4-1)

L:         Anthony Fernandez (8-6)

 

Time: 2:54 (1:34 delay)

Attendance: 3,134