Smitherman Slugs Braves in Finale:L, 4-2

Stephen Smitherman continued his onslaught on Braves pitching as he slugged his third homer and drove in his 10th run of the series in a 4-2 win over the Braves in front of 4,527 at Hank Aaron Stadium.

Atlanta Brave John Thomson was making a rehab start as he left the game in the second inning with what he described as "something that did not feel right." He has been bothered by shoulder stiffness since leaving a July 9th start for the Atlanta Braves. Sean White (4-4, 4,26 ERA) entered the game for Thompson and allowed the 2-run homer to Smitherman absorbing his fourth loss of the season. Dan Smith was brilliant in relief striking out 6 of the 7 batters he faced.

Offensively the Braves collected four (2 doubles, 2 triples) extra base hits but were only able to score two runs. They left the bases loaded in the first as Burrus grounded out to end the frame. The Braves were held hitless from the 4th to the eighth by the BayBears staff. Jarrod Saltalamacchia collected his first triple of the season but was left stranded when Canizares struck out to end the third.

The Braves start up 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 the series opener. First Pitch is set for 7:05 PM (CT). The Braves are scheduled to send LHP Francisely Bueno (1-4, 3.69 ERA) to the hill while the Mudcats are scheduled to counter with RHP James Russ (5-8, 3.75 ERA). The Braves On Deck Circle powered by Nextel starts off the broadcast at 6:05 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 To catch an archived version of tonight's game or any previous MS Braves game head to Minor League Baseball.com and select the day you want to hear.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 fall to 30-20 when scoring first.
* The Braves were outhomered 7-4 in the series.
* The Braves fall to 15-39 when allowing a homerun.
* The Braves fall to 10-10 in the last game of a series.
* The Braves fall to 3-5 in the last game of a road trip.
* The Braves fall to 10-20 in games decided by 2 runs.
* The Braves fall to 9-35 when scoring two or more runs.
* The Braves fall to 22-46 when unable to hit a homerun.
* The Braves fall to 4-54 when trailing after eight innings.

HIT STREAKS (3 games or more):
* Yunel Escobar - 3 games… (4-12, .333)
* Brandon Jones - 3 games… (4-13, .308)
* Jarrod Saltalamacchia - 3 games… (4-11, .363)

TRANSACTIONS:
*None Today.

by
Bryan Eubank