Rome Falls Behind Early in 9-2 Loss to Greenville

An unfortunate trend continued for the Rome Braves (11-10) on Thursday night, as the home team scored just twice in a 9-2 loss to the visiting Greenville Drive (10-11). It marks the fourth time in the last five games that Rome has failed to score more than three runs.

Greenville picked up right where they left off by scoring three runs in the game’s first three innings. Michael Harris II added another RBI to his scorching hot start to the season in the bottom of the third as a groundout scored Cody Milligan from third base. The Drive scored three runs in the fourth, two runs in the seventh, and one run in the ninth inning to pull away 9-1. Although Rome put another mark in the run column with a ninth-inning bases loaded walk of Michael Harris II, the Braves still fell by seven runs at home.

Unsurprisingly, the shining star on offense was Michael Harris II. Atlanta’s no. 10 prospect was 2-for-4 with one run and one RBI. The 2019 third-round pick is hitting .355 on the season and is leading the High-A East in batting average and number of hits (27).

Despite the pitching struggles of starter Alan Rangel and reliever Jake McSteen, the final two arms brought out of the bullpen had success in Rome’s loss. Zach Daniels pitched 1.2 innings, striking out two and allowing just one base hit. The Iowa product has a 3.24 ERA on the season. Kasey Kalich entered in the ninth and recorded the final three outs, but the former Texas A&M Aggie surrendered his first earned run of the year. His ERA now sits at 0.77.

Rome has now fallen behind in this week’s series against Greenville two games to one. The R-Braves will try to end a two-game losing streak on Friday night at State Mutual Stadium in Game 4 against the Drive. First pitch in Rome is set for 7 p.m. The first 1000 fans through the gates will receive a Rome Braves sergeant cap, presented by State Mutual Insurance.