Braves Win Series Clinching Finale: W, 3-1

Onil Joseph deliverd a clutch two-out RBI single in the top of the 7th inning to send the Braves to a series clinching victory over the Tennessee Smokies in front of an announced crowd of 6,564 at Smokies Park.

Dan Smith (3-6, 2.98 ERA) once again was unable to pick up a decision as he gave up just his second earned run in his last six starts on a wild pitch in the 5th inning. Joey Devine (1-0, 1.80 ERA) tossed two innings of relief while striking out the final five batters he faced to pick up his first win in a MS Braves uniform this season. New M-Brave, David Watkins pitched two perfect innings for his first save as a MS Brave.

Josh Burrus was the offensive catalyst scoring two runs for the Braves as he led off the 7th inning with a walk and the 9th with a single. Ivan Terrazas continued his torrid pace with a 2-for-4 night at the plate and an RBI single in the 9th for his 3rd RBI in two games.

The Braves will start up a five game set in Pearl, Mississippi at Trustmark Park as they take on the Mobile BayBears, the AA Affiliate of the San Diego Padres, in the series opener. First Pitch is set for 5:05 PM (CT). The Braves are scheduled to send RHP Sean White (4-5, 4.70 ERA) to the hill, while the BayBears are scheduled to counter with RHP MIke Ekstrom (0-7, 4.62 ERA). The Braves On Deck Circle powered by Nextel will start things off at 4:05pm (CT). 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 To catch an archived version of tonight's game or any previous MS Braves game head to Minor League Baseball.com and select the day you want to hear.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 improve to 13-21 in two-run games.
* The Braves improve to 38-22 when scoring first.
* Ivan Terrazas is batting 8-18, .444 as a MS Brave.
* The Braves improve to 7-2 on Staurday road games.
* The Braves improve to 8-12 when scoring three runs.
* The Braves improve to 12-12 in the last game of a series.
* The Braves imrpove to 5-5 in the last game of a road trip.
* The Braves improve to 35-21 when not allowing a homerun.
* The Braves improve to 41-0 when leading after eight innings.


HIT STREAKS (3 games or more):
* Yunel Escobar - 3 games - (3-12, .250)
* Joshua Arteaga - 3 games - (5-14, .357)

HIT STREAKS ENDED:
* Ray Serrano - 5 games - (7-22, .318)

HITLESS STREAKS ENDED: * NONE *

ACTIVE HITLESS STREAKS (More than 0-4):
* Luis Hernandez - 0-8

TRANSACTIONS: * NONE *

by
Bryan Eubank