Globe iconLogin iconRecap iconSearch iconTickets icon
Scores
All Scores Triple-A Scores Double-A Scores High-A Scores Single-A Scores Rookie Scores
Schedule
Complete Game Schedule Triple-A Schedule Double-A Schedule High-A Schedule Single-A Schedule Rookie Schedule Downloadable Schedules
Teams
Teams by Affiliate Teams by Name Teams by Class Teams by League Ballparks
Watch
Watch Games Subscribe Highlights Prospect Highlights Streaming FAQ Help Center Gameday Audio Podcast Bally Sports Live
Tickets
Tickets
Shop
MiLB Store Auctions Shop Copa Shop Marvel
Standings
Full Season Rookie Leagues Playoffs
Stats
Full Season Rookie Leagues Trending Players Top Prospect Stats
News
Pipeline Transactions Copa de la Diversión Baseball Traveler MiLB App MiLB Newsletters
Prospects
Top 100 Top 30 by Team Top 50 International Draft Top 250 Trending Players
Playoffs
MLB

Braves try to mount late rally, fall to Cards 4-2 in championship

Grosser gives up three in a short outing as the Braves fall 4-2 to the Cards in the deciding game of the Appy League Championship
By Matthew Johnson
September 5, 2014

Braves try to mount late rally, fall to Cards 4-2 in championship

Danville's struggles at the plate from game one resurfaced, mounting only two runs on seven hits

DANVILLE, VA - The Johnson City Cardinals defeated the Danville Braves to win the Appalachian League Championship by the score of 4-2 Friday night. The D-Braves close out a great season with a tough series loss to Johnson City 1-2 and miss out on the team's third Appy League title since moving to Danville in 1993.

Johnson City came out of the gate swinging on D-Braves' starter Alec Grosser, as the right handed ground ball pitcher gave up three runs in the second inning. Chris Rivera led off the inning with his second double of the postseason. A Devante Lacy walk and Cole Lankford hit by pitch loaded the bases for the Cards, and with two out a Casey Turgeon walk put the first run on the board for Johnson City. Oscar Mercado stepped to the plate next, and swatted a single to center scoring Lacy and Lankford to make it a 3-0 game.

Grosser struggled early and often Friday night. Grosser got out of trouble in the second inning after giving up three to the Cardinals, but got only one more out following giving up the runs. Grosser went 2.1 innings, giving up three runs on two hits and four walks.

In a "piggy-back" scenario for the D-Braves, starting pitcher Andry Ubiera made his first appearance of the postseason and first relief appearance all season long. Ubiera relieved Grosser and threw 3.0 innings, surrendering no runs, no hits, three walks, and struck out seven Cardinals.

Jordan Edgerton provided some spark in the sixth inning, driving a run home on a sacrifice fly to make it a 3-1 game. However, in the bottom of the seventh, Cardinals' Casey Turgeon crushed a solo home run off Luis Miranda that put Johnson City back up three, 4-1 this time.

Danville attempted a late, ninth inning comeback, however to no avail. Jose Morel doubled home Tanner Krietemeier after his leadoff double, making the score 4-2 with no outs in the top of the ninth. Fernelys Sanchez would strike out in the next at bat, bringing up Mike Dodig. Dodig slapped a grounder to second, moving Morel to third with two outs. Johnson City's reliable closer Ismael Brito would then shut the book on the D-Braves 2014 season, striking out Wigberto Nevarez with Morel stranded on third to end the game.

The Danville Braves (38-30) have now concluded their 2014 campaign. This was Danville's first playoff appearance since 2012, and the D-Braves had an opportunity to win their first Appy League Championship since 2009. Johnson City has now won their third Appalachian League Title since 2010, after going back to back in 2010 and 2011.

WP: Dailyn Martinez (1-0)

LP: Alec Grosser (0-1)

TOG: 2:49 (1:02 delay)

ATT: 938