Horne Homer Helps Braves Edge Hot Rods

ROME, GA - The Rome Braves and Bowling Green Hot Rods were back in action for game three of six. Despite some rain looming in the forecast, the game started right on time with no issues.

Andrew Hoffmann would get the starting nod for the Braves. Entering the night, Hoffmann would sit third on the list of South Atlantic League leaders in earned run average. Hoffmann would cruise through the first three innings, and despite giving up one run in the top of the fourth on a single from Bowling Green's Logan Driscoll. Hoffmann would call it a night after five full innings, surrendering one run on four hits while striking out eight.

Javier Valdes would get the party started for the Rome Braves in the bottom of the first with a line drive single to center that scored Vaughn Grissom. A passed ball and a Bryson Horne single would give the Braves a three run lead after the opening frame. The bottom of the third inning would see Bryson Horne double that scored Justyn-Henry Malloy to put Rome up four runs to none.

Bowling Green would chip away through the rest of the game with Logan Driscoll and Alexander Ovalles singles that drew the Hot Rods within one run headed into the bottom of the eighth inning. The bottom half of the eighth inning would see Bryson Horne belt his second homer of the year to give the Braves much needed insurance, as Bowling Green would tack on one more run in the top of the ninth. Jake McSteen however would slam the door out of the pen, and extinguish any hope that Bowling Green had for a rally. With two hits and three strikeouts over one and a third of an inning, McSteen would earn his second save of the year, and give the Braves the win by a final score of five runs to four.

With tonight's win, the Braves now sit a half game out of the first place spot, with three more games on the slate with the first place Hot Rods. Bowling Green clings to their first place lead as they pick back up tomorrow night for game four with the Braves. Royber Salinas is slated to get the starting nod for Rome, and Bowling Green's Mason Montgomery gets the ball for the Hot Rods.