Smokies Slam Braves in Game 3: L, 11-3

Chris Waters was roughed up in his second straight start as the Smokies put 6 runs on the board in the 2nd inning to post a 7-0 hole for the Braves. It's a hole that they would never recover from as the Braves fell 11-3 in Game 3 of the Five Game Southern League series in front of an announced crowd of 2,249 at Smokies Park.

Waters (7-12, 5.25 ERA) was dealt his Southern League leading 12th loss as well as allowing his SL leading 23 Homerun of the season while walking a season-high six and striking out seven. He also allowed a total of 10 runs and 10 hits both were also season highs. Eric Schmitt allowed a solo homerun to Jamie D'Antona in the 6th inning for the Smokies only other run. Glenn Tucker pitched the 8th inning allowing 2 two-out singles but no runs.

The Braves were led offensively by Michael Rosamond also chipped in his team-leading 13th Homerun and 42nd RBI. Ironically, Waters finished 2-for-2 with a leadoff double in the 5th inning and bunt single in the 3rd frame.

Jerry Gil was the force for the Smokies with his first Grand Slam of the season in the six-run 2nd inning. He finished 3-for-4 with 5 RBIs. Jamie D'Antona finished 3-for-5 with a solo homer off of Schmitt.

The Braves will continue a five game set in Sevierville, Tennessee at Smokies Park as they take on the Tennessee Smokies, the AA Affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks, in game four of the series. First Pitch is set for 6:15 PM (CT). The Braves are scheduled to send LHP Matt Harrison (3-2, 3.04 ERA) to the hill, while the Smokies are scheduled to counter with RHP Ross Ohlendorf (8-8, 3.25 ERA). The Braves On Deck Circle powered by Nextel will start things off at 5:45pm (CT). Don't forget if you're headed to the game then take your radio and tune to 104.3-FM exclusively at Smokies 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 To catch an archived version of tonight's game or any previous MS Braves game head to Minor League Baseball.com and select the day you want to hear.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 7-16 on Thursday games.
* The Braves fall to 7-12 when scoring three runs.
* The Braves fall to 19-48 when allowing a homerun.
* The Braves fall to 4-58 when trailing after eight innings.
* The Braves fall to 16-47 when their opponenet scores first.

HIT STREAKS (3 games or more):
* Ray Serrano - 4 games - (5-17, .294)

HIT STREAKS ENDED:
* Onil Joseph - 4 games - (5-18, .278)
* Josh Burrus - 5 games - (8-20, .400)

HITLESS STREAKS ENDED:
* Yunel Escobar ended an 0-7 skid with a 4th inning leadoff double.
* Michael Rosamond ended an 0-6 slump with his 4th inning 2-run homerun.

ACTIVE HITLESS STREAKS (More than 0-4):* NONE *

TRANSACTIONS:* NONE *

by
Bryan Eubank