Niekro Punches Out Seven In Series Opener

ROME, GA - After winning four straight to take their second consecutive series victory, the Rome Braves sent right-hander JJ Niekro to the mound to welcome the Greensboro Grasshoppers to town.

In his first start since August 4th, Niekro would get the ball rolling early as he struck out the first two batters he faced while retiring the side in order. Niekro would follow up his spotless first inning by striking out the side in the second inning.

Niekro would face the minimum through two and a third before Luke Brown would single to get Greensboro in the hit column. Niekro's one blemish on the night would be a Jack Brannigan home run to put the 'Hoppers on the board two runs to none. Niekro would finish the night with a season-high seven strikeouts over five innings.

Despite four scoreless innings from Patrick Halligan and Jonathan Hughes out of the bullpen, Greensboro would only need two runs to take the series opener thanks to a dominant outing from Peach State native Bubba Chandler.

Chandler, a product of North Oconee High School, would hurl seven shutout innings against the R-Braves on Tuesday night while fanning six.

Drake Baldwin would lead Rome in hits in the series opener after going two for four to raise is season batting average to .247.

The Braves and Grasshoppers will continue the six game slate on Wednesday night with a 7:00pm first pitch.