Salty Delivers in Series Opener: W, 6-4

Jarrod Saltalamacchia continued his torrid pace since coming off the Disabled List as he laced a two-out 2-run double in the eighth to lift the Braves over the Mudcats 6-4 in front of 4,954 at Trustmark Park in the series opener Saturday night. Salty is now 13-35 (.371) since returning from the DL with 5 HRs, 2 Doubles, a Triple, and 12 RBIs. He also now leads the team with 17 two-out RBIs.

Brandon Jones launched his 6th Homerun of the season, a two-run line drive shot into the Cellular South Cafe in the 5th inning to give the Braves a 3-2 lead. Joshua Arteaga ended an 0-38 skid with a pinch-hit leadoff Homerun in the 6th inning to give the Braves a 4-2 lead.

Neither starter factored in the decision as Jose Ascanio (4-2, 4.50 ERA) picked up a blown save and the win, while Chris Mobley (1-4, 3.95 ERA) took the loss for the Mudcats. Zach Schreiber tossed another perfect 9th inning for his 15th save in 16 chances.

The Braves continue a five game set in Pearl Mississippi, Alabama at Trustmark Park as they take on the Carolina Mudcats, the AA Affiliate of the Florida Marlins, in game two of the series. First Pitch is set for 7:05 PM (CT). The Braves are scheduled to send LHP Chris Waters (6-9, 4.24 ERA) to the hill while the Mudcats are scheduled to counter with LHP Paul Mildren (9-7, 3.67 ERA). The Braves On Deck Circle powered by Nextel starts off the broadcast at 12:05 PM (CT) on SuperSport 930. Don't forget if you're headed to the game then take your radio and tune to 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 To catch an archived version of tonight's game or any previous MS Braves game head to Minor League Baseball.com and select the day you want to hear.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 have hit 6 HRs in the last six games.
* The Braves improve to 11-6 on Saturday games.
* The Braves improve to 24-13 when hitting a homerun.
* The Braves improve to 7-15 in the first game of a series.
* The Braves imrpove to 11-20 in games decided by 2 runs.
* The Braves improve to 3-6 in the first game of a homestand.
* The Braves imrpove to 32-0 when leading after eight innings.
* The Braves have equaled their best win total for a month (12).
* The Braves improve to 30-16 when scoring four or more runs.
* The Braves improve to 16-39 when their opponent scores first.

HIT STREAKS (3 games or more):
* Brandon Jones - 5 games… (5-17, .294)
* Jarrod Saltalamacchia - 4 games… (6-15, .400)
* Joshua Arteaga ended an 0-38 skid with a pinch hit HR in 6th.

TRANSACTIONS:
*None Today.

by
Bryan Eubank