Eddy Valdez Shuts Down Braves: L, 6-3

Javon Moran and Noochie Varner touched up Chris Waters for round-trippers in the fourth and fifth innings to jump out in front 4-1 and never look back as the Lookouts took a 2-1 series advantage in front of a 4,424 at Trustmark Park. Eddy Valdez (2-3, 4.47) was nearly flawless allowing just an RBI double in the third inning to Yunel Escobar. Valdez faced the minimum the rest of the way as he retired 9 of the final 10 batters he faced.

Braves starter Chris Waters(3-3, 4.21 ERA) allowed two more homeruns giving him the League lead in that category (12). He did, however, collect one of the two Braves hits through 8 innings.

The Braves finally rallied in the ninth off of reliever Carlos Guevara as Escobar, Canizares and Esquivel singled to start the frame. Then Mike Rozema brought in the third run with an RBI single. Lookouts Manager Jayhawk Owens brought in David Shafer to face pinch-hitter Michael Rosamond. Shafer struck him out on a 2-2 count to end the game as Shafer earned his league-leading 19th save of the season.

The Braves continue their final 10-game homestand of the season which will close out the first half as the Braves host the Lookouts in game four of the five-game set Sunday afternoon at 1:05 CT. The Braves will send RHP Paul Bush (4-4, 4.01 ERA) to the hill, while Chattanooga counters with RHP Travis Chick (3-2, 4.12 ERA). The Braves On Deck Circle powered by Nextel starts off the broadcast at 12:05pm (CT) on SuperSport 930. Don't forget to bring your radios Sunday and tune into AM-930 or 104.3 FM exclusively at Trustmark Park.

Check out the Braves Minute here. To catch an archived version of tonight's game or any previous MS Braves game head to Minor League Baseball.com and select the day you want to hear.

BRAVES BITES:
* The Braves fall to 3-5 in three-run games.
* Braves have lost three of their last five games.
* The Braves are still 3 1/2 games out of 2nd Place.
* The Braves fall to 10-24 when their opponent first.
* Mike Rozema collected his second RBI as a MS Brave.
* Yunel Escobar extended his hit streak to 3 games… (5-10, .500)
* Jarrod Saltalamacchia had his season-high hit streak end at 8 games… (12-33, .364)
* Matt Esquivel drove in his team-high 36th RBI. which ties him for 5th in the Southern League.

by
Bryan Eubank