Wednesday, May 31, 2006

Braves Win Third Straight Over Lookouts

After failing in their first five chances to put together a three-game winning streak this season, the Braves decided to pull the feat off against the top team in the Southern League, the Chattanooga Lookouts in front of 2,281 at Bellsouth Park.. The Braves fell behind early in the first as the Lookouts jumped out to a 2-0 lead on three doubles in the first four batters. Then in the 2nd – 5th innings Paul Bush (4-3, 3.94 ERA) threw 4 shutout innings allowing just a walk to Noochie Varner while retiring the other twelve men he faced. Bush finally gave in to the Lookouts in the sixth as Asadoorian drove in Joey Votto to force Bush from the ballgame after the sixth. Glenn Tucker tossed two innings of relief allowing just an unearned run on a pair of infield singles, error and a sacrifice fly. Zach Schreiber pitched a perfect ninth for his third save of the season.

The Braves offensively got things going in the fourth as Madison native, Michael Rosamond led off the inning with a towering homerun to left that cleared the Bellsouth Park scoreboard and tied the game 2-2. The Braves then followed with four straight singles and a sacrifice fly to score two more and take a 4-2 lead they would not relinquish. Paul Bush added an RBI single in that frame to give the Braves a 3-2 lead his first RBI of the season. They padded their lead in the 6th inning as Yunel Escobar and Barbaro Canizares delivered RBI singles to push the lead to 6-2.

Lookouts starter Phil Dumatrait (3-4, 3.62 ERA) left the game after giving up all 6 runs on 8 hits, while walking 4 and striking out 4. The Braves finished the month f May at 12-17.

The Braves are in Chattanooga to play the series finale of the five-game set against the Lookouts Thursday night at 6:15 CT. The Braves will send RHP Matt Wright (3-2, 2.65 ERA) to the hill in search of his fourth win of '06 while Chattanooga counters with RHP Travis Chick (2-1, 4.85 ERA). The Braves On Deck Circle powered by Nextel starts off the broadcast at 5:15pm (CT) on SuperSport 930. If you're headed to Chattanooga don't forget to bring your radios and tune into 107.1 FM exclusively at Bellsouth 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 To catch an archived version of tonight's game or any previous MS Braves game head to Minor League Baseball.com and select the day you want to hear.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:

* Barbaro Canizares extended his hit streak to 8 games…(12-33, .364)
* Matt Esquivel extended his hit streak to 3 games…(5-14, .357)
* Jarrod Saltalamacchia picked up first multi-hit game since May 24.
* The Braves improved to 11-9 when hitting a homerun.
* Three Braves finished with at least 2-hits.
* The Braves improved to 10-23 when their opponent scores first.
* The Braves improved to 18-11 when scoring 4 or more runs.
* Josh Burrus - to the DL, Onil Joseph - promoted from Myrtle Beach.
* This was the first win on a Wednesday this season. (1-7)
* Michael Rosamond also made a promise to have his head shaved after the first 3-game win streak...pictures to follow on Thursday.

by
Bryan Eubank

MiLB, striking umps reach agreement

The season-long Minor League umpires strike will soon be coming to an end after a six-year collective bargaining agreement was ratified on Tuesday.

The members of the Association of Minor League Umpires had been on strike since the season began on April 6. They are expected to be back to work on or before June 12 at the latest with their respective leagues being responsible for working out the particulars of their return...

Read More

from
Minor League Baseball.com

Braves Homer Their Way Past Lookouts

The Braves used homeruns from Luis Hernandez and Michael Rosamond to take a 2-1 series advantage over the Southern League leading Chattanooga Lookouts. The Braves dominated the game from the first pitch as starter Chris Waters (3-3, 3.75 ERA) limited the Lookouts to just three hits through 6 innings. He struggled in the seventh allowing a bases loaded walk to Anderson Machado that knocked him out of the game. Bryan Digby came in and induced an inning-ending double play on one pitch that got the Braves out of the jam. Newly promoted Brave, Arthur Santos pitched a perfect ninth for his first save as a Mississippi Brave in front of 2,639 at Bellsouth Park.

The Lookouts wasted another great day at the plate by Noochie Varner as he went 3-4 with a Homerun and three runs scored. Lookouts starter Steve Kelly (6-3, 3.13 ERA) was touched for both homeruns before exiting after the sixth.

The Braves are in Chattanooga to play game four of the five-game set against the Lookouts Wednesday night at 6:15 CT. The Braves will send RHP Paul Bush (3-3, 3.86 ERA) to the hill in search of his team-high fourth win of '06 while Chattanooga counters with LHP Phil Dumatrait (3-3, 3.27 ERA). The Braves On Deck Circle powered by Nextel starts off the broadcast at 5:15pm (CT) on SuperSport 930. If you're headed to Chattanooga don't forget to bring your radios and tune into 107.1 FM exclusively at Bellsouth 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:

* Barbaro Canizares extended his hit streak to 7 games…(11-29, .379)
* Luis Hernandez extended his hit streak to two games… (4-9, .444)
* Matt Esquivel extended his hit streak to two games… (4-9, .444)
* Gregor Blanco extended his hit streak to 3 games… (5-12, .417)
* Yunel Escobar ended an 0-9 skid with a third inning single.
* The Braves improved to 10-9 when hitting a homerun.
* Four Braves finished with at least 2-hits.
* The Braves improved to 12-8 when scoring first.
* The Braves improved to 17-11 when scoring 4 or more runs.
* Josh Burrus was scratched from the lineup prior to gametime.

by
Bryan Eubank

Monday, May 29, 2006

WIN TICKETS: Answer MS Braves Trivia

To win tickets to the next Braves series try your hand at answering the following question correctly. Those who answer correctly will be put into a drawing for 4 tickets to a game in the next Braves Homestand (6.8-6.17 vs Chattanooga & Jacksonville) at Trustmark Park. The winner will be announced in a few days.

QUESTION: Who led the MS Braves last year in doubles?

Click here to send in your answer.

PREVIOUS QUESTION: What is the most consecutive number of losses to start a season for the Atlanta Braves and what year did it occur?

ANSWER: 10 Losses (1988)

WINNER - Miranda Black

by
Bryan Eubank

Braves Rally to Tie Series With Lookouts

The Braves had managed to win just two games when trailing after 8 innings before Josh Burrus delivered his first hit of the game, an RBI single in the ninth to give the Braves a 4-3 lead. Zach Schreiber pitched the ninth for his second save of the season in front of 2,267 at Bellsouth Park. It was the first time all season that the best team in the Southern League lost when leading after 8 innings.

The Lookouts wasted a great day at the plate by Javier Colina as he went 4-4 with 2 RBIs. The Braves, meanwhile, left 12 men on base while the Lookouts left 10 men on base.

Braves starter Sean White (2-3, 4.97 ERA) did not factor in the decision despite leaving with a 2-1 lead in the seventh. Jose Ascanio (1-0, 6.00 ERA) picked up the win in relief after being charged with his first blown save of the season allowing single runs in the seventh and eighth innings.

Lookouts starter Tyler Pelland (3-1, 3.63 ERA) did not factor in the decision either as he left with the game tied at 1-1.

The Braves are in Chattanooga to play game three of a five-game set against the lookouts Tuesday night at 6:15 CT. The Braves will send RHP Chris Waters (2-3, 3.86 ERA) to the hill in search of his third win of '06 while Chattanooga counters with RHP Steve Kelly (6-2, 2.65 ERA). The Braves On Deck Circle powered by Nextel starts off the broadcast at 5:15pm (CT) on SuperSport 930. If you're headed to Chattanooga don't forget to bring your radios and tune into 107.1 FM exclusively at Bellsouth 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:

* Barbaro Canizares extended his hit streak to six games ... (9-24, .375)
* Josh Burrus extended his hit streak to five games… (6-19, .316)
* The Braves improved to 8-5 in one-run games and 3-30 when trailing after 8 innings.
* The Lookouts lost their first game when leading after 8 innings.
* Luis Hernandez broke out of an 0-21 slump with an eighth inning single.
* Four Braves finished with 2-hit games.
* Martin Prado and Will Startup were promoted to Richmond.
* Mike Rozema was promoted from Myrtle Beach.

by
Bryan Eubank

Braves Promotions & Additions

The Mississippi Braves announce that INF Martin Prado and LHP Will Startup have been promoted to AAA Richmond. INF Mike Rozema has been promoted to AA Mississippi from High-A Myrtle Beach.

The Braves roster currently has 22 active players.

Summary
INF Martin Prado to Richmond
LHP Will Startup to Richmond
INF Mike Rozema to Mississippi from Myrtle Beach

by
Nick Skinner

Sunday, May 28, 2006

Braves Rally Falls Short in Series Opener

The Braves fell victim Sunday night to a great start from Josh Hall as he had streaks of nine and twelve in a row retired to collect his first win of the season in front of a season high crowd of 6,224 at Bellsouth Park. Josh Hall (1-0, 4.24 ERA) allowed the Braves three runs on four hits in the second inning, but otherwise retired the side in six different innings.

Braves starter Daniel Curtis (2-5, 4.91 ERA) spotted the Lookouts 4 runs in the first three innings and was charged with his fifth loss of the season. David Shaffer pitched the ninth for his Southern League leading 15th save of the season.

The Braves made it interesting in the eighth putting the tying run on put Escobar struck out looking to end that threat. In the ninth Canizares doubled to left which brought the tying run to the plate. Shaffer then recorded to flyouts and a groundout to leave him stranded at third.

The Braves are in Chattanooga to play game two of a five-game set against the lookouts Monday afternoon at 1:15 CT. The Braves will send RHP Sean White (2-3, 5.37 ERA) to the hill in search of his third win of '06 while Chattanooga counters with LHP Tyler Pelland (3-1, 3.83 ERA). The Braves On Deck Circle powered by Nextel starts off the broadcast at 12:15pm (CT) on SuperSport 930. If you're headed to Chattanooga don't forget to bring your radios and tune into 107.1 FM exclusively at Bellsouth 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:

* Barbaro Canizares extended his hit streak to five games ... (7-19, .368)
* Martin Prado extended his hit streak to three games… (5-11, .455)
* Josh Burrus extended his hit streak to four games… (5-14, .357)
* The Braves fell to 5-22 when giving up a homerun, 5-12 in two-run games.
* The Braves fell to 1-3 on first game of a road trip and 1-5 on Sundays.
* Luis Hernandez is mired in an 0-18 slump.
* TIME OF GAME - 2:11 – The quickest game of the season.

By
Bryan Eubank

Saturday, May 27, 2006

Braves Win...Heading to Chattanooga

The Braves finally figured out a way to score in the second inning, scoring 4 in the 2nd frame to post an 8-0 victory over the Birmingham Barons in front of a season-high crowd of 5,163 at Trustmark Park. The Braves also got the best start of the year from Matt Wright (3-2, 2.65 ERA) as he threw 6 shutout innings while allowing just one hit and striking out seven.

The Braves staff combined to toss 12 strikeouts and push their season total up to 392 on the year, which ranks them fourth in the Southern League.

The Braves are in Chattanooga to play game one of a five-game set against the Lookouts tonight at 5:15 CT. The Braves send RHP Daniel Curtis (2-4, 4.70) to the hill while Chattanooga counters with RHP Josh Hall (0-0, 5.00 ERA). The Braves On Deck Circle powered by Nextel starts off the broadcast at 6:05pm on SuperSport 930. Don't forget to bring your radios Tuesday and tune into AM-930 or 103.5 FM exclusively at Bellsouth 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:
* Barbaro Canizares extended his hitting streak to 4 games... (5-15, .333)
* Michael Rosamond extended his hitting streak to 4 games... (6-15, .400)
* Every Brave but Josh Burrus scored in the game.
* Matt Esquivel picked up his team-leading 29th RBI.
* Seven of the Braves nine batters had at least 2 hits.
* The Braves improve to 10-8 when scoring first.
* The Braves improve to 15-11 when scoring 4 or more runs.
* The Braves improve to 13-7 in errorless games.

by
Bryan Eubank

Friday, May 26, 2006

Rosamond Slams Barons: W, 8-2

The Braves pounded out five hits and seven runs in the first inning highlighted by Michael Rosamond's grandslam which helped shift the game into cruise control. Paul Bush (3-3, 3.86 ERA) benefited from the seven-run lead retiring the first 11 batters he faced and 13 of the first 14. He is just the second Braves pitcher to record three wins on the season. The Braves ended a four-game losing streak with the 8-2 win in front of a season-high crowd of 4,896 at Trustmark Park.

For the second consecutive night the Barons got back-to-back homeruns on back-to-back pitches in the sixth by Blakely (1) and Ninita (3) but that was all they managed. The Braves struggled at the plate after the third as they failed to register a hit, while striking out seven times and walking four.

The Braves wrap up their five game homestand Saturday night against the Birmingham Barons at Trustmark Park as the ZooperStars make an appearance. The Braves send RHP Matt Wright (2-2, 3.16 ERA) to the hill, while Birmingham counters with LHP Ryan Rodriguez (1-5, 4.82 ERA) at 7:05. The Braves On Deck Circle powered by Nextel starts off the broadcast at 6:05pm on SuperSport 930. Don't forget to bring your radios Tuesday and tune into AM-930 or 104.3FM 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:
* Barbaro Canizares extended his hitting streak to 3 games... (3-11, .273)
* Michael Rosamond extended his hitting streak to 3 games... (4-11, .364)
* Gregor Blanco reached every trip (5) and tied a season high in walks (3).
* Every Brave but Hernandez scored in the game.
* Matt Esquivel picked up his team-leading 28th RBI.
* The Braves improve to 9-8 when scoring first, and 9-9 with a homerun.
* The Braves set a season high for runs in an inning with 7 runs in the first.
* The Braves improve to 14-11 when scoring 4 or more runs.
* Four of the Braves eight hits were for extra bases.
* The Braves improve to 12-7 in errorless games.

by
Bryan Eubank

Thursday, May 25, 2006

Barons Blank Braves & Win Series: W, 8-0

The Braves were blanked for just the second time this year as the Barons launched back-to-back homeruns in the eighth to pour a little salt on the shutout. For the Braves the game was all about wasted chances as they grabbed three walks to lead off the third but struck out and bounced into an inning-ending double play to end the threat. In the fourth the Braves got back-to-back singles to start the frame but hit into another double play to squelch the threat.

The stars of the game were definitely Birmingham's Thomas Collaro and Cory Aldridge as they both picked up two hits and drove in three runs. Starter, Tyler Lumsden (6-1, 2.28 ERA) struggled with location but battled around it and used his infield to bail him out of two innings.

Braves starter, Chris Waters (2-3, 3.86 ERA) struggled as well and was pelted for 7 hits and 4 runs.

The Braves continue their five game homestand Friday night against the Birmingham Barons at Trustmark Park. The Braves send RHP Paul Bush (2-3, 4.01 ERA) to the hill, while Birmingham counters with LHP Corwin Malone (4-3, 3.33 ERA) at 7:05. The Braves On Deck Circle powered by Nextel starts off the broadcast at 6:05pm on SuperSport 930. Don't forget to bring your radios Tuesday and tune into AM-930 or 104.3FM 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:

* Gregor Blanco had his hitting streak end at 5 games…(7-20, .350)
* Matt Esquivel had his hitting streak end at 3 games…(5-12, .417)
* Josh Burrus ended his 0-18 slump with a single but was thrown out trying to advance to second
* The Braves fall to 9-22 when opponent scores first.
* The Braves fall to 4-21 when giving up a homerun.
* Will Startup hasn't allowed a run in his last 11 innings.
* The Braves tied a season high by suffering its second four-game losing streak of the year.
* Barbaro Canizares has hit safely in 18 of the last 20 games.
* Five of Birmingham's eight runs came with two outs.
* Eight of the Barons thirteen hits were for extra bases (4 2B, 3 HR and 1 3B)

by
Bryan Eubank

WIN TICKETS: Answer MS Braves Trivia

To win tickets to the next Braves series try your hand at answering the following question correctly. Those who answer correctly will be put into a drawing for 4 tickets to a game in the next Braves Homestand (6.8-6.17 vs Chattanooga & Jacksonville) at Trustmark Park. The winner will be announced later.

QUESTION: What is the most consecutive number of losses to start a season for the Atlanta Braves and what year did it occur?

Click here to send in your answer.

PREVIOUS QUESTION: Which Atlanta Braves pitcher has the best all-time winning percentage? (min. 100 decisions)

ANSWER: Greg Maddux (194-88, .688)

WINNER - No One

by
Bryan Eubank

Wednesday, May 24, 2006

Barons Rally Past Braves Again: L, 5-4

Ricardo Ninita delivered a pinch-hit RBI single in the eighth to give the Barons their second straight come-from-behind 5-4 win over the Mississippi Braves in front of 2,826 at Trustmark Park. Brian West allowed a leadoff walk in the ninth but retired the side in order after that to pick up his second save of the season.

The Braves trailed going into the fifth 3-1, but rallied thanks to an error by Michael Myers (sub for Robert Valido, who was scracthed prior to game time) on a ball hit by Matt Esquivel. After that error, Yunel Escobar roped a 2-run double to give the Braves a 4-3 advantage. And for the second straight night the bullpen could not hold the lead.

Braves starter, Sean White (2-3, 5.37) struggled early but settled down retiring 7 of the last 8 he faced before turining it over to the bullpen in the sixth. Sean also tied a season-high with 5 strikeouts. Barons starter, Lance Broadway looked good again allowing just one earned run in his six innings, although he did allow a season-high 4 walks to the Braves.

The Braves continue their five game homestand Thursday night against the Birmingham Barons at Trustmark Park. The Braves send LHP Chris Waters (2-2, 3.60 ERA) to the hill, while Birmingham counters with LHP Tyler Lumsden (5-1, 2.53 ERA) at 7:05. The Braves On Deck Circle powered by Nextel starts off the broadcast at 6:05pm on SuperSport 930. Don't forget to bring your radios Tuesday and tune into AM-930 or 104.3FM 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:
* Only two Braves managed multi-hit games.
* Gregor Blanco extended his hitting streak to 5 games…(7-20, .350)
* Matt Esquivel extended his hitting streak to 3 games…(5-12, .417)
* Jarrod Saltalamacchia ended an 0-8 slump…(2-3, RBI, BB)
* Josh Burrus is mired in a 0-18 slump and is 2 for his last 33 (.060)
* The Braves fall to 9-21 when opponent scores first, 7-5 in one-run games.
* The Braves are still winless on Wednesdays (0-7).

by
Bryan Eubank

Tuesday, May 23, 2006

Braves Blow Lead Against Barons: L, 5-4

Matt Esquivel launched a three-run homer in the bottom of the first to stake the Braves to a 4-0 lead only to see Birmingham claw their way back scoring single runs in the third, fifth and seventh. Then in the eighth they scored a pair to take the lead and Ehren Wasserman pitched the final two innings for his 8th save of the season.

The Braves were unable to get anything going in the final eight innings unless there were two outs on the board. They also managaed to get just one runner past second base after the second, and six base runners total.

Braves starter, Daniel Curtis (2-4, 4.70) pitched well but the bullpen let it get away from them as Curtis did not factor in the decision. Barons starter, Ray Liotta retired nine in a row after giving up 4 runs in the first. He also recorded 5 one-pitch outs against the overly aggressive Braves batters.

The Braves continue their five game homestand Wednesday night against the Birmingham Barons at Trustmark Park. The Braves send RHP Sean White (2-3, 5.55 ERA) to the hill, while Birmingham counters with RHP Lance Broadway (4-2, 2.47 ERA) at 7:05. The Braves On Deck Circle powered by Nextel starts off the broadcast at 6:05pm on SuperSport 930. Don't forget to bring your radios Tuesday and tune into AM-930 or 104.3FM 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:
* Only five Braves managed hits, two multi-hit games.
* Barbaro Canizares had his hitting streak end at 7 games…(12-25, .480)
* Matt Esquivel became the first Brave to hit a homer in back-to-back games.
* The Braves fall to 8-8 when scoring first, and 7-4 in one-run games.
* The Braves fall to 2-8 in the first game of a series.
* Heading into Wed night, the Braves are still winless on Wednesdays (0-6).

by
Bryan Eubank

Sunday, May 21, 2006

Suns Take Series Finale, 5-3

Tony Abreu came through in the bottom of the seventh with an RBI single to give the Suns a 4-2 lead in front of a crowd of 9,256 at The Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville. The Suns added two more and defeated the Braves in the series finale 5-3. The Braves finished 5-5 on the road trip, failing to win their third game in a row for the second straight series.

Ryan Basner (1-4, 7.20 ERA) took the loss in relief, leaving after two batters with a blister. Glenn Tucker came inherited both base runners that eventually scored. Starter Matt Wright (2-2, 3.16 ERA) did not factor in the decision as he left with the game tied 2-2. He retired the last nine batters he faced.

Suns starter Spike Lundberg (4-1, 2.61 ERA) also didn’t factor in the decision but pitched well, only giving up Esquivel’s solo Homerun in the sixth. The Suns did set a four-day attendance record of 38,507 fans averaging 9,627 per game.

The Braves enjoy an off day on Monday and start up a five game homestand Tuesday night against the Birmingham Barons at Trustmark Park. The Braves send RHP Daniel Curtis (2-4, 5.12 ERA) to the hill, while Jacksonville counters with LHP Ray Liotta (1-5, 3.44 ERA) at 7:05. The Braves On Deck Circle powered by Nextel starts off the broadcast at 6:05pm on SuperSport 930. Don't forget to bring your radios Tuesday and tune into AM-930 or 104.3FM 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:
* Only three Braves managed hits on Sunday afternoon
* Barbaro Canizares extended his hitting streak to 6 games…(12-29, .414)
* Yunel Escobar had his hitting streak end at 3 games…(7-16, .438)
* Matt Esquivel ended an 0-11 streak with a 3-4 performace, including tying Salty and Rosy for the team lead in homeruns with 4.
* The Braves fall to 9-20 when their opponent scores first.
* The Braves end up 5-5 on the 10-game road trip.
* The Braves are now 4-4 in the last game of a series.
* The Braves are winless on the road on Sundays (0-2).

by Bryan Eubank

Saturday, May 20, 2006

WIN TICKETS: Answer MS Braves Trivia

To win tickets to the next Braves series try your hand at answering the following question correctly. Those who answer correctly will be put into a drawing for 4 tickets to a game in the next Braves Homestand (5.23-5.27 vs Birmingham) at Trustmark Park. The winner will be announced on Monday.

QUESTION: Which Atlanta Braves pitcher has the best all-time winning percentage? (min. 100 decisions)

Click here to send in your answer.

PREVIOUS QUESTION: How many Southern League titles have the AA Braves won since joining the League in 1971 and what year(s) did they win them?

ANSWER: 2 (1992 & 1997)

WINNER - Donna Black

by
Bryan Eubank

Braves Even Series With Suns: W, 4-3

Joshua Arteaga delivered a pinch-hit RBI single in the bottom of the eighth to give the Braves a 4-3 lead they would not relinquish in front of a crowd of 9,487 at The Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville. Will Startup pitched the ninth for his team-leading fourth save of the year.

Ryan Basner (1-3, 6.60 ERA) picked up the win in relief. Starter Paul Bush (2-3, 4.01 ERA) did not factor in the decision as he left with the game tied 3-3 in the sixth. He retired nine of the last ten batters he faced. Eric Schmitt pitched a perfect eighth to earn his second Hold of the year..

Suns reliever Alvis Ojeda (2-1, 2.25 ERA) lost his first game of the season, giving up Arteaga’s RBI single in the eighth. A night after hitting three homeruns the Braves had 14 hits and all were singles as they outhit the Suns 14-9. The Braves are now 11-0 when leading after eight innings.

The Braves wrap up their ten game road trip Sunday afternoon against the Jacksonville Suns in the series finale. The Braves send RHP Matt Wright (2-2, 3.20 ERA) to the hill, while Jacksonville counters with RHP Spike Lundberg (4-1, 2.76 ERA) at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville at 2:05. The Braves On Deck Circle powered by Nextel starts off the broadcast at 1:05pm on SuperSport 930.

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:
* Five Braves had multi-hit games.
* Barbaro Canizares extended his hitting streak to 5 games…(10-25, .400)
* Yunel Escobar extended his hitting streak to 3 games…(7-16, .438)
* Michael Rosamond extended his hit streak to 2 games… (4-10, .400)
* The Braves improve to 9-19 when their opponent scores first.
* The Braves improve to 13-6 when not allowing a homerun.
* The Braves improve to 7-3 in one-run games
* The Braves are now 3-1 on Saturday nights away from Trustmark Park
* The Braves lead the all-time series at The Baseball Grounds, 8-5.
* This is now the fourth time the Braves have won 2 in a row.
* The Braves are 5-4 on the current 10-game road trip.

by
Bryan Eubank

Friday, May 19, 2006

Braves Homer Their Way to Victory, 4-3

Yunel Escobar waited until his final at-bat of the night to pick up his first hit of the game, a solo homerun to lead off the 11th as the Braves rallied to defeat the Suns 4-3 in 11 Innings in front of a season-high crowd of 10,640 at The Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville. The Braves used the long ball to drive in all 4 of their runs. Barbaro Canizares hit a two-run shot in the fourth to give the Braves an early 2-0 lead. Then in the ninth with two outs, Canizares delivered another monster drive to left on a 3-0 pitch to tie the game at 3 and force extra innings. It was the first blown save of the year for Mark Alexander.

Chris Waters (2-3, 3.60 ERA) did not factor in the decision as he left trailing 3-2 after the seventh. He retired the first seven he faced and eleven of the first twelve the Suns sent to the plate. Glenn Tucker pitched a perfect eighth and Zach Schreiber (1-0, 2.16 ERA) tossed three scoreless innings of relief to secure his first win of the season.

Suns starter Heath Totten (3-2, 3.25 ERA) left with the lead, allowing just the two-run homer to Canizares while striking out three and walking three. The Braves survived hitting into four double plays on the night, by launching three homeruns. They also picked up just their second win when trailing after 8 innings (2-25).

The Braves continue their ten game road trip Saturday night against the Jacksonville Suns in game four of the series. The Braves send RHP Ryan Basner (0-3, 6.83 ERA) to the hill, while Jacksonville counters with RHP Joel Hanrahan (3-2, 3.22 ERA) at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville at 6:05. The Braves On Deck Circle powered by Nextel starts off the broadcast at 5:05pm on SuperSport 930.

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:
* Barbaro Canizares extended his hitting streak to 5 games…(7-22, .318)
* Yunel Escobar extended his hitting streak to 3 games…(4-12, .333)
* Saltalamacchia ended an 0-12 skid with a single in the 11th.
* Michael Rosamond broke out of a 0-7 slump with a 2 for 5 night.
* The Braves improve to 8-7 when scoring first and when hitting a homerun.
* The Braves improve to 12-6 when not allowing a homerun.
* The Braves improve to 6-3 in one-run games, and 4-1 in extra inning games.
* The Braves are now 3-1 on Friday nights away from Trustmark Park
* The Braves lead the all-time series at The Baseball Grounds, 7-5.
* The crowd of 10,640 was the 5th largest crowd in The Baseball Grounds history.

by
Bryan Eubank

Thursday, May 18, 2006

Braves Melted by the Suns, 13-2

Justin Orenduff threw six no-hit innings against the Braves as the Suns offense lit up the scoreboard again in a 13-2 rout. The Suns have now outscored the Braves 23-5 in the first two games of the series at The Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville. TJ Nall threw three relief innings for his second save of the season in front of 9,122 fans.

Sean White (2-3, 5.55 ERA) was touched up early and often for ten runs in his worst outing of the year. Suns starter Justin Orenduff (2-2, 3.62 ERA) was re-activated before the game from the disabled list after suffering from elbow soreness, although he showed no signs of any problems. He left after six innings due to pitch count.

The first hit for the Braves came from an infield single by Yunel Escobar in the seventh. The Braves scored two runs in that frame on an error by Suns first baseman Craig Brazell. Jarrod Saltalamacchia ripped a ball down the first base line that he couldn’t handle which allowed Canizares and Escobar to score.

Suns third baseman, Andy LaRoche went 4 for 4 with 4 RBIs, including his fifth Homerun of the season. Chin-Lung Hu went 4 for 6 with three runs scored. Hu was spotted playing for Chinese-Taipei in the World Baseball Classic.

The Braves continue their ten game road trip Friday night against the Jacksonville Suns in game three of the series. The Braves send LHP Chris Waters (2-2, 3.56 ERA) to the hill, while Jacksonville counters with RHP Heath Totten (3-2, 3.35 ERA) at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville at 6:05. The Braves On Deck Circle powered by Nextel starts off the broadcast at 5:05pm on SuperSport 930.

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:
* Martin Prado had his hitting streak end at 5 games… (10-23 .435)
* Barbaro Canizares extended his hitting streak to 4 games…(5-13, .385)
* Will Startup threw an inning of scoreless relief to lower his ERA to 0.78.
* The Braves fall to 8-19 when their opponent scores first, 4-20 when allowing a homerun.
* The Braves fall to 1-9 when scoring in just one inning.
* The Braves still lead the all-time series at The Baseball Grounds, 6-5.

by
Bryan Eubank

WIN TICKETS: Answer MS Braves Trivia

To win tickets to the next Braves series try your hand at answering the following question correctly. Those who answer correctly will be put into a drawing for 4 tickets to a game in the next Braves Homestand (5.23-5.27 vs Birmingham) at Trustmark Park. The winner will be announced on Sunday afternoon during the final game of the road trip in Jacksonville.

QUESTION: How many Southern League titles have the AA Braves won since joining the League in 1971 and what year(s) did they win them?

Click here to send in your answer.

PREVIOUS QUESTION: What was the longest winning streak of the year last season for the Braves?

ANSWER: 7 games (May 28 - June4)

WINNER - None

by

Bryan Eubank

Blauser & Salty Ejected in Series Opener

Jeff Blauser and Jarrod Saltalamacchia were tossed in the fourth inning arguing balls and strikes as the Braves fell 10-3 to the defending Southern League Champion Jacksonville Suns. The Suns lit up the scoreboard after the ejections and coasted to a victory in front of 2,475 at The Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville.

Daniel Curtis (2-4, 5.12 ERA) was touched up for seven runs in his worst outing of the year. Suns starter Danny Muegge (4-4, 4.15 ERA) picked up the win and a two-run single before leaving with an unspecified injury in the sixth. His replacement, Justin Simmons threw 2.1 innings of scoreless relief.

The lone bright spot in the game was Martin Prado who finished a single shy of the cycle picking up his first homerun and triple of the season in his first two at-bats. He doubled in his third at-bat and grounded into a fielder’s choice in his final at bat.

The Braves continue their ten game road trip Thursday night against the Jacksonville Suns in game two of the series. The Braves send RHP Sean White (2-2, 3.98 ERA) to the hill, while Jacksonville counters with RHP Justin Orenduff (1-2, 4.31 ERA) at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville at 6:05. The Braves On Deck Circle powered by Nextel starts off the broadcast at 5:05pm on SuperSport 930 (WSFZ-AM-930)

BRAVES BITES:
* Ray Serrano had his hitting streak end at 6 games… (8-17, .471).
* Martin Prado improved his hitting streak to 5 games… (10-23 .435)
* Barbaro Canizares launched his first homerun of the season, a two-run shot in the sixth off of Danny Muegge.
* The Braves fall to 7-7 when scoring first, 4-19 when allowing a homerun.
* The Braves fall to 2-7 in the first game of a series and remain winless on Wednesday.
* The Braves still lead the all-time series at The Baseball Grounds, 6-4.


by
Bryan Eubank

Tuesday, May 16, 2006

Braves Run Over Barons To Clinch Series

Matt Esquivel ran over Gustavo Molina in the fifth inning on a Canizares double to give the Braves a 3-2 lead that they would not relinquish in front of 3,403 at Hoover Metropolitan Stadium. The Braves won just their second series of the season. The first was against Mobile in early April.

Matt Wright (3-3, 3.20 ERA) was sensational allowing just two runs in seven innings of work for the Braves in his best outing of the year. Zach Schreiber worked the final two innings for his first save of the year.

Ryan Rodriguez (1-4, 5.24 ERA) took the loss allowing just three runs over seven innings while striking out 4 and inducing two double plays.

The Braves finished 4 for 10 with runners in scoring position, while the Barons went 1 for 11 in that same category.

The Braves continue their ten game road trip as they start up a five-game set Wednesday night against the Jacksonville Suns. The Braves send RHP Daniel Curtis (2-3, 4.43 ERA) to the hill, while Jacksonville counters with LHP Danny Muegge (3-4, 4.08 ERA) at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville at 6:05. The Braves On Deck Circle powered by Nextel starts off the broadcast at 5:05pm on SuperSport 930 (WSFZ-AM-930)

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:
* Ray Serrano improved his hitting streak to 6 games… (8-17, .471).
* Martin Prado improved his hitting streak to 4 games… (7-19 .368)
* Luis Hernandez went 3-4 at the plate. He went (9-22, .409) against Birmingham.
* Gregor Blanco scored twice putting him in third place in runs scored in the Southern League. He also hit his first triple of the season.
* Josh Burrus ended an 0-11 streak with an infield single in the eighth.
* The Braves improve to 7-6 when scoring first, 5-3 in one-run games, 11-6 when allowing no homeruns.
* The Braves have now been outscored 33-14 in the first inning.
* The Barons starters threw over 33 innings in the series and allowed only five earned runs.


by
Bryan Eubank

MS Braves Booster Meeting Tuesday Night

The MS Braves Booster club is meeting Tuesday night at the Cellular South Cafe. To become a part of the Booster Club contact Lisa Dunn in the Braves office at either 601.932.8788. Make sure you attend Tuesday night's meeting where they will be electing officers.

(Compiled from Marty's e-mail)

by
Bryan Eubank

Barons Prevent Series Clincher Again

For the second straight game the Braves had a chance to win just their second series of the year and lost to the Barons 5-2 in front of 2,122 at Hoover Metropolitan Stadium. Corwin Malone (4-2, 3.19 ERA) threw 6 and 2/3 innings and allowed two runs, only one earned. The Barons starters have thrown over 26 innings and have allowed only two earned runs in the series.

Ricardo Ninita put the Barons on the board with a three-run homer to lead off the first. Thomas Collaro followed with a two-run double to make it 5-0 which proved to be enough. The Braves managed single runs in the fifth and seventh: Ray Serrano doubled and scored on a two-out single by Martin Prado. The other run for the Braves came on a ground ball that was thrown wide of the bag by Micah Schnurstein allowing Matt Esquivel to score.

Paul Bush (2-3, 3.90 ERA) took the loss giving up the five-spot in the first. Ryan Basner threw four scoreless innings of two-hit relief while striking out six. Basner was shifted to the bullpen as Bush was moved into the rotation before the game.

The Braves and Barons wrap up their five-game set Tuesday night in the rubber match at the Hoover Met. The Braves send RHP Matt Wright (1-2, 3.93 ERA) to the hill, while Birmingham counters with LHP Ryan Rodriguez (1-3, 5.49 ERA) at the Hoover Met at 7:05. The Braves On Deck Circle powered by Nextel starts off the broadcast at 6:05pm on SuperSport 930.

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:
* Ray Serrano improved his hitting streak to 5 games… (7-14, .500).
* Martin Prado improved his hitting streak to 3 games… (6-14 .429)
* The Braves fall to 8-18 when their opponent scores first.
* The Braves are now 4-18 when allowing a homerun.
* The Braves have been outscored 32-13 in the first inning.
* The Braves left 10 men on base.
* The Braves went 1 for 11 with runners in scoring position.

by
Bryan Eubank

Sunday, May 14, 2006

Barons Win Mother's Day Matchup

Less than fourteen hours after the Barons went deep into their bullpen, Tyler Lumsden (4-1, 2.91 ERA) threw eight innings of shutout baseball allowing just four hits in a 5-2 victory over the Braves in front of 2,507 at Hoover Metropolitan Stadium.

The Braves were seeking their first three-game winning streak of the season as Chris Waters (2-2, 3.56 ERA) also pitched well until the eighth when he gave up a three-run homer to Micah Schnuerstein that virtually put the game away. The Braves avoided the shutout in the ninth by scoring a pair of runs on a sacrifice fly by Barbaro Canizares and a RBI groundout by Matt Esquivel.

The Barons wore pink caps to commemorate Mother's Day and proceeds from a silent auction on the caps went to Breast Cancer Awareness of Alabama.

The Braves and Barons continue their five-game set Monday night at the Hoover Met as the Braves send RHP Ryan Basner (0-3, 7.92 ERA) to the hill, while Birmingham counters with LHP Corwin Malone (3-2, 3.43 ERA) at the Hoover Met at 7:05. The Braves On Deck Circle powered by Nextel starts off the broadcast at 6:05pm on SuperSport 930 (WSFZ-AM-930)

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:
* Matt Esquivel drove in his team-leading 22nd RBI in the 9th. He now has RBIs in three straight games and in 7 of his last 8 games.
* Joshua Arteaga improved his hitting streak to 4 games… (5-16 .313)
* After going 0-12, Martin Prado has made it two straight games with hits … (4-10 .400)
* Barbaro Canizares had his hitting streak end at 9 games… (13-36 .361)
* This was the quickest game of the season for the Braves at 2:19.
* This was the first Sunday road loss.
* The Braves fall to 8-17 when their opponent scores first, 4-17 when allowing a homerun.

by
Bryan Eubank

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!!

Please remember to get in contact with your Mother today and tell her Happy Mother's Day and what she has meant to you over the years. I would like to send out a personal note to my mom and let her know how much I appreciate her for helping my wife in taking care of our kids while I am out of town and for just being a great example as a parent to follow. Also, I know my kids would love to add a Happy Mother's Day greeting to my wife if they could type so I will do it for them..."HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY MOMMY!" I can't begin to even explain how awesome my wife has been as a mother over these past two years. She has allowed me to pursue a dream job with the MS Braves and I will be forever grateful and in her debt. I love you Cyndi.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!!

by
Bryan Eubank

Braves Rally To Beat Barons in 13 Innings

Pitcher Dan Smith delivered a two-run single in the top of the thirteenth to give the Braves their second straight win over the Barons, just the third time this season they have managed two wins in a row. Dan Smith also pitched the final two innings for his first win of the season in front of 4,004 at Hoover Metropolitan Stadium. For Smith, it was his first at bat of the season along with his first hit and first RBIs.

Other firsts completed by the Braves: (1) First win when trailing after 8 innings - as they scored on an RBI double by Luis Hernandez in the top of the ninth against Ehren Wasserman. (2) First time to win the first two games in a series. (3) First RBIs by a pitcher.

The Braves could not solve the league ERA leader as Lance Broadway threw six innings while scattering seven hits and allowing just one run to lower his ERA to 1.42. Broadway did not factor in the decision. Five different Braves finished with multiple hit nights (Esquivel, Hernandez, Prado, Saltalamacchia, Serrano).

The Braves and Barons continue their five-game set Sunday afternoon at the Hoover Met as the Braves send LHP Chris Waters (2-1, 3.06 ERA) to the hill, while Birmingham counters with LHP Tyler Lumsden (3-1, 3.52 ERA) at the Hoover Met at 2:05. The Braves On Deck Circle powered by Nextel starts off the broadcast at 1:05pm on SuperSport 930.

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

BRAVES BITES:
* Gregor Blanco had his team-high hitting streak end at twelve games … (19-52, .365)
* Barbaro Canizares extended his current streak to 9 games… (13-36 .361)
* Matt Esquivel drove in his team-leading 21st RBI with a bases clearing game-tying double in the 8th.
* Prado broke out of his 0-12 slump going 2-6, while Saltalamacchia broke out of 0-10 skid with a 2-4 night.
* The Braves improve to 8-16 when their opponent scores first, 2-16 when trailing after 7 innings, 1-21 when trailing after 8 innings, 4-2 on Saturdays.10-6 when not allowing a homerun, 11-9 when scoring 4 or more runs, 3-1 in extra inning games.

by
Bryan Eubank

Friday, May 12, 2006

Daniel Curtis & Braves Shut Out Barons

Daniel Curtis started the 10 game road trip for the Braves off with a bang as he shut down the Birmingham Barons 2-0 in front of 8,313 at Hoover Metropolitan Stadium. Manny Acosta made it interesting in the ninth allowing a one-out double and a pair of walks to load the bases before getting a strike out and ground out as he picked up his team-leading 4th save of the season.

The Braves took an early 1-0 advantage in the second as Joshua Arteaga scored on wild pitch and an errant throw by catcher Gustavo Molina. The Braves collected their other run in the sixth as Matt Esquivel doubled and drove in Barbaro Canizares with two outs.

Daniel Curtis (2-3, 4.43 ERA) becomes just the second pitcher to record 8 innings on the hill as he scattered 4 hits and faced just three batters over the minimum, while walking none.

Ray Liotta (1-4, 3.59 ERA) was the hard-luck loser as he scattered 8 hits allowing just one earned run to score in seven innings of work.

The Braves and Barons continue their five-game set Saturday night at the Hoover Met as the Braves send RHP Sean White (2-2, 3.65 ERA) to the hill, while Birmingham counters with League ERA Leader RHP Lance Broadway (4-1, 1.61 ERA) at the Hoover Met at 7:05. The Braves On Deck Circle powered by Nextel starts off the broadcast at 6:05pm on SuperSport 930.

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:
* Gregor Blanco extended his team-high hitting streak to 12 games … (19-52, .365)
* Barbaro Canizares extended his current streak to 8 games… (12-32, .375)
* Matt Esquivel drove in his team-leading 18th RBI
* Prado is mired in a current 0-12 slump, Saltalamacchia is stuck in a 0-9 skid.
* The Braves improve to 6-6 when scoring first, 2-1 in shutouts, and 9-0 when leading after 8 innings.

by
Bryan Eubank

MS Braves Arrive In Birmingham

The players and coaches were treated before they left to a wonderful set of road goodies ranging from homemade cookies to packaged items and drinks. The players could not stop talking about the gift bags...they were a big hit. Our bus driver, Dennis got us here safely and the team is looking forward to getting a winning streak started as they take on the Birmingham Barons tonight starting at 7:05pm on SuperSport 930. I was completely surprised to find out that the hotel in Birmingham got an upgrade and now has internet access. That means I will be able to update things in a timely manner while I am here. Until tonight, have a wonderful morning and day.

by
Bryan Eubank

Thursday, May 11, 2006

Braves Lose Series Finale & Third Straight

Micah Hoffpauir belted a three-run homerun in the bottom of third inning to give the Diamond Jaxx a three-run lead that would not relinquish but would add to as they beat the Braves 7-1 in front of 3,192 at Trustmark Park on Thursday night.

Matt Wright (1-2, 3.93 ERA) took the loss which was his first as a starter. He allowed five runs over five innings. Paul Bush threw 3.1 of relief giving up the other two runs to the D-Jaxx.

The story of the series was Luis Montanez as he finished (13-21, .619) with four doubles, one homerun and 8 RBIs. West Tenn also again proved why they were the number one team in hitting and pitching tonight, in front of 2,749 at Trustmark Park, as they lowered their team ERA to 2.79 and raised their team batting average 2 more points to .271.

The Braves start a five game set Friday night against the Birmingham Barons in the series opener at 7:05 pm at Hoover Metropolitan Stadium. RHP Daniel Curtis (1-3, 2.70 ERA) takes the hill for the Braves while Birmingham counters with LHP Ray Liotta (1-3, 4.04 ERA) The Braves On Deck Circle powered by Nextel starts off the broadcast at 6:05pm on SuperSport 930 (WSFZ-AM-930).

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:
* Gregor Blanco extended his current hitting streak to a team-high eleven games ... (16-44, .364)
* Barbaro Canizares extended his streak to seven games ... (10-28, .357)
* The Braves fall to 7-16 when their opponent scores first, 4-16 when allowing a homerun, 4-16 when committing an error.

by
Bryan Eubank

Wednesday, May 10, 2006

No BP...No Problem for Diamond Jaxx

Massive thunderstorms rolled through the Central Mississippi area around 4:30pm and delayed the start of the game til 7:30pm (CT). Neither team was able to take on-field batting practice but it didn't seem to matter for West Tennessee as they pounded out a team-high 15 runs and 25 hits in their blowout win over the Braves, 15-1. The Braves avoided the shutout when Serrano led off the eighth with a single and later scored on a wild pitch.

The game was over before it started as the D-Jaxx got five runs in the first off of Ryan Basner (0-3, 7.92 ERA) who settled in after that, but the damage had been done. Glenn Tucker checked in and was lit up in the fourth and fifth for 8 runs on 11 hits.

West Tenn starter Juan Mateo (2-2, 2.35 ERA) was untouchable as he faced the minimum through seven innings while allowing two singles and striking out nine. Both singles were eliminated on double plays. West Tenn also proved why they were the number one team in hitting and pitching tonight, in front of 2,749 at Trustmark Park, as they lowered their team ERA to 2.84 and raised their team batting average 10 points to .269.

The Braves and Diamond Jaxx face off again tomorrow night in the finale of this five-game series at 7:05 pm at Trustmark Park. RHP Matt Wright (1-1, 2.70 ERA) takes the hill for the Braves while West Tennessee counters with RHP Randy Wells (1-1, 1.56 ERA) The Braves On Deck Circle powered by Nextel starts off the broadcast at 6:05pm on SuperSport 930 (WSFZ-AM-930).

Check out the Braves Minute here. Our exclusive Trustmark Park frequency of 104.3 FM will not be in use Thursday night. 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:
* Gregor Blanco extended his current hitting streak to a team-high ten games ... (14-40, .350)
* Barbaro Canizares extended his streak to six games ... (9-24, .375)
* LuisHernandez had his hit streak end at five games ... (6-22, .273)
* The Braves fall to 7-15 when their opponent scores first, 4-15 when allowing a homerun, 4-15 when committing an error.
* The Braves are also still winless on Wednesdays.

by
Bryan Eubank

Tuesday, May 09, 2006

Heroes In Our Midst Recognition

Tonight we were able to visit with Sidney Montgomery, the first MS recipient of a bronze medal honoring him as a Hero in Our Midst. We were also able to visit with Juliette Bogus and her involvement with Heroes In Our Midst. You can help even more by sending a card or note of thanks to Montgomery at the following address:

Sidney Montgomery
Heroes in Our Midst
175 E. Capitol Street, Suite 222
Jackson, MS 39201

You can also find out more about Big Brothers Big Sisters by clicking here. To find out more about Heroes In Our Midst, click here.

To hear the interviews...head to Minor League Baseball.com and click on May 9th and select the WSFZ broadcast.

by
Bryan Eubank

Braves Snatch Defeat from Jaws of Victory

West Tennessee rallied for four runs in the top of the eighth off of the Braves bullpen to reclaim the lead and hold on to win 6-4 over the Braves taking a 2-1 series advantage and preventing the Braves from winning back-to-back games for the second time this season. This was also the sixth time in the last seven games the Braves have had late-inning leads and wound up losing the game.

The Braves had rallied in the bottom of the seventh on an RBI double by Michael Rosamond and a two-run single by Luis Hernandez. The Braves also tried to rally in the ninth as Luis Hernandez and Ray Serrano delivered two-out base hits scoring one. Clay Rapada settled down though forcing Blanco into a game ending groundout, while picking up his ninth save of the season.

The loss ruined a good outing from Sean White (7.0 IP, 2 R, 2 ER, 4 BB, 7 K, 1 HR) who left with the 3-2 lead, scattering 6 hits over seven innings. Dan Smith was charged with the blown save and took the loss falling to (0-3, 21.60 ERA) on the season.

The Braves and Diamond Jaxx face off again tomorrow night in game four of this five-game series at 7:05 pm at Trustmark Park. RHP Ryan Basner (0-2, 6.95 ERA) takes the hill for the Braves while West Tennessee counters with RHP Juan Mateo (1-2, 2.87 ERA) The Braves On Deck Circle powered by Nextel starts off the broadcast at 6:05pm on SuperSport 930 (WSFZ-AM-930).

Check out the Braves Minute here. Don't forget if you're headed to Trustmark Park bring your radio and tune into 104.3 FM to listen to the broadcast.

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:
* Gregor Blanco extended his current hitting streak to a team-high nine games ... (13-37, .351)
* Luis Hernandez extended his current hitting streak to five games ... (6-22, .273).
* Josh Burrus had a seven game hit streak end , while Yunel Escobar lost an eight game hit streak.
* The Braves now fall to 0-19 when trailing after eight innings, 8-4 when leading after seven, 3-10 in two-run games.
* This was the Braves first Tuesday home loss.

by
Bryan Eubank

Monday, May 08, 2006

Sean White Shuts Down D-Jaxx

Sean White (2-2) was brilliant through seven innings and the Braves' bats provided enough firepower for the Braves to get back in the win column. Will Startup pitched the eighth and Manny Acosta allowed two runs in the ninth to make it interesting as the Braves pulled even in the series.

The Braves took the lead with a two-run third inning. as Josh Burrus drove in Jarrod Saltalamacchia and Barbaro Canizares. Matt Esquivel delivered his team-high seventeenth RBI in the fifth inning to drive in what proved to be the winning run.

Sean White (7.0 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 5 K) allowed one run on five scattered hits through seven innings to earn his second win of the year. Will Startup (1.0 IP, 1 H) threw one scoreless inning. Manny Acosta (1.0 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 HB) tossed the ninth allowing two runs but still earning his team-high tying third save of the year. He's tied with Startup.

D-Jaxx starter Carlos Marmol (4.1 IP, 6 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 5 BB, 5 K) left the game in the fifth trailing 4-1 and fell to 2-2 on the year. Paul Schappert (2.2 IP, 3 H, 1 BB, 1 K) kept the Braves off the board for 2.2 innings. Carmen Pignatiello (1.0 IP, 1 H, 1 K) held Mississippi scoreless in the eighth.

The Braves and Diamond Jaxx face off again tomorrow night in game three of this five-game series at 7:05 pm at Trustmark Park. LHP Chris Waters (2-1, 3.18 ERA) takes the hill for the Braves while West Tennessee counters with LHP Chris Shaver (2-1, 2.05 ERA) The Braves On Deck Circle powered by Nextel starts off the broadcast at 6:05pm on SuperSport 930 (WSFZ-AM-930).

Check out the Braves Minute here. Don't forget if you're headed to Trustmark Park bring your radio and tune into 104.3 FM to listen to the broadcast.

BRAVES BITES:

* Gregor Blanco extended his current hitting streak to a team-high tying eight games ... Blanco is hitting (12-32, .375).
* Yunel Escobar extended his current hitting streak to a team-high tying eight games ... Escobar is hitting (12-32, .375).
* Martin Prado's seven-game hitting streak came to an end with an 0-4 night at the plate.
* Tonight's win is the Braves' first win on Monday this year.
* Barbaro Canizares went 2-4 with an RBI and two runs scored.
* Josh Burrus went 2-4 with two RBI ... He's hit safely in all seven games he's played in since joining the Mississippi Braves.

by
Bryan Eubank
(compiled from Nicholas Skinner's report)

Sunday, May 07, 2006

WIN TICKETS: Answer MS Braves Trivia

To win tickets to the next Braves series try your hand at answering the following question correctly. Those who answer correctly will be put into a drawing for 4 tickets to a game in the next Braves Homestand (5.23-5.27 vs Birmingham) at Trustmark Park. The winner will be announced on Thrusday night during the final game of the current five game homestand.

QUESTION: What was the longest winning streak of the year last season for the Braves?

Click here to send in your answer.

PREVIOUS QUESTION: How many Homeruns did Jeff Francoeur total last season in his 157 games played between Atlanta and Mississippi?
ANSWER: 27 - 14 in Atlanta, 13 in Mississippi
WINNER - Brian Wright

by
Bryan Eubank

D-Jaxx Win Back-and-Forth Game

The Braves and Diamond Jaxx traded the lead back and forth until West Tenn finally went ahead for good in the fifth. Eric Patterson doubled and later scored on Luis Montanez' sacrifice fly, which proved to be the winning run. West Tenn took game one of the series 5-3 in front of 2,697 at Trustmark Park.

Eric Patterson aslo launched his third homer of the year in the top of the first into the Cellular South Cafe giving West Tenn a 1-0 lead.

Gregor Blanco, Martin Prado, singled to start off the bottom of the first, and then Jarrod Saltalamacchia drove in Blanco with an RBI single making the score 1-1 after one.

The Braves took the lead in the second when Josh Burrus, Matt Esquivel, and Luis Hernandez each hit singles to lead off the inning. With the bases loaded, pitcher Daniel Curtis bounced into a double play that brought Burrus to the plate with the go-ahead run.

West Tenn went back on top 3-2 in the third when Scott Moore hit a two-out, two-RBI double that brought Nic Jackson and Micah Hoffpauir to the plate.

The Braves tied the score in the bottom of the fourth when Josh Burrus reached and moved to second on a throwing error by third baseman Scott Moore. Matt Esquivel then hit a single back up the middle that brought Burrus to the plate with the game-tying run.

West Tenn added another run on a sacrifice fly in the ninth.

Daniel Curtis (6.0 IP, 8 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 5 K, 1 HR, 1 WP) left the game trailing 4-3 and fell to 1-3 this year. Zach Schreiber (2.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 4 BB, 1 K) loaded the bases in his first inning, but worked out of trouble in his first appearance in Mississippi. He did allow one run to score. Paul Bush (0.2 IP, 1 H, 1 BB) came on to finish out the game for the Braves.

West Tenn's JR Mathes (6.0 IP, 8 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 1 K) left the game with a 4-3 lead. The D-Jaxx bullpen held the lead and Mathes improved to 3-2 on the year. Thomas Atlee (2.0 IP, 1 H, 1 K) held Mississippi off the board for two solid innings. Clay Rapada (1.0 IP, 1 K) came on in the ninth to earn his eighth save of the season.

Mississippi and West Tenn face off again tomorrow night in game two of this five-game series at 7:05 pm at Trustmark Park. Taking the hill for Mississippi will be right-hander Sean White (1-2, 4.20 ERA) in search of his second win of the year. West Tenn counters with RHP Carlos Marmol (2-1, 2.59 ERA) who's looking for win #3 on the year. The Braves On Deck Circle powered by Nextel starts off the broadcast at 6:05pm on SuperSport 930.

Check out the Braves Minute here. Don't forget if you're headed to Riverwalk Stadium bring your radio and tune into 103.9 FM to listen to the broadcast

BRAVES BITES:

* Gregor Blanco extended his current hitting streak to seven games tying the '06 season high set by Josh Arteaga ... Blanco is hitting (12-32, .375).
* Martin Prado extended his current hitting streak to seven games tying the '06 season high set by Josh Arteaga ... Prado is hitting (11-32, .344).
* Yunel Escobar extended his current hitting streak to seven games tying the '06 season high set by Josh Arteaga ... Escobar is hitting (11-30, 367).
* Josh Burrus has a hit in each of his first six games in Mississippi
* The Braves have now fallen to 1-6 in the first game of each series.
* The Braves also fell to 3-9 in two-run games.

by
Bryan Eubank

Braves Let Another One Slip Away

A night after the Braves bullpen shut down the red-hot Biscuits it collapsed Saturday night in Montgomery. Elliot Johnson launched a three-run homerun off of reliever Eric Schmitt with two outs in the bottom of the eighth to lift the Biscuits to a come-from-behind 7-5 win over the Mississippi Braves in front of 7,018 at Riverwalk Stadium..

Braves Starter Matt Wright (6.0 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 10 K, 2 HB) left with a 5-2 advantage on the scoreboard and was in line for his second win, before the bullpen fell apart in the last two innings. Both starters were forced to stay in the game through six innings because of depleted bullpens from the previous game.

The Braves start up a five-game homestand with West Tennessee Sunday night at 7:05pm. RHP Daniel Curtis (1-2, 5.40 ERA) takes the mound for Mississippi while the Diamond Jaxx counter with LHP JR Mathes (2-2, 4.65 ERA). The Braves On Deck Circle powered by Nextel starts off the broadcast at 6:05pm on SuperSport 930 (WSFZ-AM-930).

Check out the Braves Minute here. Don't forget if you're headed to Trustmark Park bring your radio and tune into AM-930 or 104.3 FM to listen to the broadcast.

BRAVES BITES:

* There are five Braves with current hitting streaks of three games or more.
* Streaks: Gregor Blanco, (6 games, 11-28, .393); Josh Burrus (5 games, 5-21, .238); Yunel Escobar (6 games, 10-26, .385); Martin Prado (6 games, 10-28, .357)
* The Braves are now 2-8 against Montgomery this year and 10-23 since they started play last season.
* The Braves have recorded 116 Ks against their opponents in their last 12 Games.
* The Braves dropped to 0-17 when trailing after 8 innings.
* There was a :43 minute rain delay to start the game

by
Bryan Eubank

Saturday, May 06, 2006

Braves Survive Homerun Derby Marathon

The Braves outlasted the Biscuits in 13 Innings Friday night pulling out a 8-7 win in front of 5,592 at Riverwalk Stadium. The Braves got a RBI double by Joshua Arteaga in the top of the 13th to plate Escobar and the go-ahead run. Eric Schmitt retired the last batter looking with runners at the corners to notch his first save. Will Startup improved to 3-0 with 3 perfect innings of relief.

The Braves and Biscuits combined to hit 5 Homeruns in the game, four in the fourth inning alone. The Braves bullpen threw 9.2 innings of scoreless baseball. Matt Esquivel hit a towering homerun to left to give the Braves a 4-3 lead in the fourth. Joshua Arteaga added his 2nd homerun and the Braves led 6-3 heading into the bottom of the fourth. The Biscuits added 2 two-run homers in the bottom of the frame to retake the lead 7-6 which would also mark the last time the Biscuits would score. The two teams combined for 9 runs and 10 hits (4 homers) in the fourth.

The Braves wrap up their five-game series with Montgomery Saturday night at 7:05pm, it also marks the end of their 10 games in 11 days road trip. RHP Matt Wright (1-1, 2.45 ERA) takes the mound for Mississippi while Montgomery counters with RHP Chris Flinn (1-2, 6.08 ERA). The Braves On Deck Circle powered by Nextel starts off the broadcast at 6:05pm on SuperSport 930 (WSFZ-AM-930).

Check out the Braves Minute here. Don't forget if you're headed to Riverwalk Stadium bring your radio and tune into 103.9 FM to listen to the broadcast

BRAVES BITES:

* There are five Braves with current hitting streaks of three games or more.
* Streaks: Gregor Blanco, (5 games, 8-24, .333); Josh Burrus (4 games, 4-17, .235); Yunel Escobar (5 games, 8-21, .381); Martin Prado (5 games, 8-23, .348); Joshua Arteaga (3 games, 5-11, .455)
* The Braves are now 2-7 against Montgomery this year and 10-22 since they started play last season.
* The Braves have recorded 104 Ks against their opponents in their last 11 Games.
* The Biscuits left 16 men stranded on base.
* The five run 4th inning matches the season-high for runs in an inning.
* This marks the longest game of the season in innings (13) and time (4:17)
* The Braves have scored 4 or more runs in 16 games this year (9-7 record).
* First Friday road win. Braves are now 2-1 in extra-inning games, 3-3 in one-run games.
* Fifteen strikeouts in a game sets a new record this season for the pitching staff.

by
Bryan Eubank

Friday, May 05, 2006

WIN TICKETS: Answer MS Braves Trivia

To win tickets to the next Braves series try your hand at answering the following question correctly. Those who answer correctly will be put into a drawing for 4 tickets to a game in the next Braves Homestand (5.7-5.11 vs West Tennessee) at Trustmark Park. The winner will be announced on Saturday night during the final game of the road trip in Montgomery.

QUESTION: How many homeruns did Jeff Francoeur hit last year in the 154 games he appeared in between Mississippi and Atlanta?

Click here to send in your answer.

PREVIOUS QUESTION: Who led the MS Braves in Homeruns last season and how many?
ANSWER: Scott Thorman - 15
WINNER - Marty McAlilly

by
Bryan Eubank

Braves Lose Third Straight to Biscuits

Ryan Christianson continued his homerun antics Thursday night crushing another pair of two-run homeruns to lift the Biscuits to a 7-4 win over the Braves in front of 4,172 at Riverwalk Stadium. Christianson (6-18, .333 - 6HR, 12 RBIs) has six hits against the Braves in the five games he has appeared in and all six are two-run homers.

Chris Waters (2-1, 3.18 ERA) (5.1 IP, 6 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 7 K, 1 BK, 2 HR) recorded his first loss of the season. The Braves bullpen once again faltered as Glenn Tucker gave up the second two-run homer to Ryan Christianson which gave the Biscuits a 5-3 lead in which they would not relinquish.

Biscuits Starter Jim Magrane (4-2, 3.22 ERA) (6.0 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 4 BB, 4 K) allowed four walks but only one scored as he scattered 6 hits in 6 innings.

The Braves hit into three double plays in the game two of which ended huge scoring threats in the first and sixth innings.

The Braves and Biscuits continue their five-game series Friday night at 7:05pm. RHP Ryan Basner (0-2, 5.30 ERA) takes the mound for Mississippi while Montgomery counters with LHP Mike Prochaska (0-0, 3.60 ERA) gets a spot start in place of scheduled starter Chuck Tiffany. The Braves On Deck Circle powered by Nextel starts off the broadcast at 6:05pm on SuperSport 930 (WSFZ-AM-930).

Check out the Braves Minute here. Don't forget if you're headed to Riverwalk Stadium bring your radio and tune into 103.9 FM to listen to the broadcast.

BRAVES BITES:

* There are five Braves with current hitting streaks of three games or more.
* Streaks: Gregor Blanco, (4 games, 6-18, .333); Josh Burrus (3 games, 3-12, .250); Yunel Escobar (4 games, 5-15, .333); Martin Prado (4 games, 7-18, .389); Jarrod Saltalamacchia (3 games, 3-13, .231)
* The Braves are now 1-7 against Montgomery this year and 9-22 since they started play last season.
* The Biscuits have now won six straight over the Braves at Riverwalk Stadium.
* The Braves fall to 3-11 when allowing a homerun.
* The Braves fell to (1-16, .067) with the bases loaded as Esquivel bounced into a 1-2-3 double play in the sixth.
* The Braves lost just their second game this season when scoring in three different innings.

by
Bryan Eubank

Thursday, May 04, 2006

Braves Let Another One Slip Away

Former MSU Bulldog, Matthew Maniscalco delivered a bases-clearing RBI triple in the bottom of the eighth to set up some 9th inning dramamtics in front of 7,218 at Riverwalk Stadium. Aneudi Cuevas then hit a walk-off RBI double in the ninth to complete the comeback.

The Biscuits started the scoring as Elliot Johnson led off the third inning with a solo homerun, his fifth of the season. The Biscuits added another run after Maniscalco doubled reached third on a passed ball and scored on a wild pitch. The Braves tied the game in the fifth as Ray Serrano ripped a two-run double down the left-field line.

The Braves added a run in each of the next three innings only to see the Biscuits rally in the eighth against relievers Will Startup and Manny Acosta. It was Acosta’s second blown save of the season and the Braves are now 1-6 against the Biscuits this season.

Sean White (6.0 IP, 8 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 3 K, 1 HR) had his second good outing in a row but was left with his third no-decision of the year. The Braves are now 2-4 in games Sean starts.

Biscuits Starter Tony Peguero (7.0 IP, 7 H, 4 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 8 K) pitched good enough for the win but his defense let him down with three errors that led to the three un-earned runs.

The Braves left eight men on base and went 3-for-18 with runners in scoring position.

The Braves and Biscuits continue their five-game series Thursday night at 7:05pm. LHP Chris Waters (2-0, 2.35 ERA) takes the mound for Mississippi while Montgomery counters with RHP Jim Magrane (3-2, 2.97 ERA) looking for his team-leading fourth win. The Braves On Deck Circle powered by Nextel starts off the broadcast at 6:05pm on SuperSport 930 (WSFZ-AM-930).

Check out the Braves Minute here. Don't forget if you're headed to Riverwalk Stadium bring your radio and tune into 103.9 FM to listen to the broadcast.

BRAVES BITES:

* There are eight Braves with current hitting streaks, six of which are 3 games or better.
* Current team-best hitting streak belongs to Luis Hernandez, (4 games - 5-17, .294)
* The Braves are now 1-6 against Montgomery this year and 9-21 since they started play last season.
* Luis Hernandez & Josh Burrus returned to the Braves lineup.
* The Braves fall to 3-10 when allowing a homerun.
* Wednesday and Monday remain the two days of the week in which the Braves have yet to win a game.
* Will Startup was charged with his first runs of the season as he left with two men on the eighth when Acosta allowed them to score.

by
Bryan Eubank

Wednesday, May 03, 2006

Braves Waste Chances Against Biscuits

Ryan Christianson launched his third two-run homerun against the Braves this season in the bottom of the sixth giving the Biscuits back the lead for good 4-3 in front of 2,204 at Riverwalk Stadium.

The Biscuits and Braves went back and forth all night long as Michael Coleman led off the second inning with a solo homerun, his fifth of the season. The Braves grabbed the lead in the top of the fourth with an RBI single from Luis Hernandez and a throwing error by Ryan Christianson. The Biscuits tied the game 2-2, in the fifth with a sacrifice squeeze bunt by Matthew Maniscalco. The Biscuits took the lead for good in the sixth with Christianson’s homer and an RBI single by Jason Pridie.

The Braves did draw back to within one in the seventh on Jarrod Saltalamacchia’s fourth homerun of the season. The Biscuits iced the game in the eighth with a sacrifice fly by Matthew Maniscalco.

The Braves left nine men on base and went 2-for-13 with runners in scoring position. The Braves led off the first seven innings with a base-hit.

Braves' starter Daniel Curits, (4.1 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 2 K, 1 HR) looked good, allowed only five hits in his four plus innings of work. Dan Smith, in his first appearance as a MS Brave forced two popouts with the bases loaded, to end the scoring threat for Montgomery in the fifth. He then allowed three runs on three hits in the next inning to take the loss.

Biscuits starter, Andy Sonnanstine (5.0 IP, 10 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 4 K) was shelled by the Braves bats but the Braves couldn’t cash in on the prosperity.

The Braves and Biscuits continue their five-game series Tuesday morning at 10:05am. RHP Sean White (1-2, 4.50 ERA) takes the mound for Mississippi while Montgomery counters with RHP Tony Peguero (3-2, 2.01 ERA) looking for his team-leading fourth win. The Braves On Deck Circle powered by Nextel starts off the broadcast at 9:35am on SuperSport 930 (WSFZ-AM-930).

Check out the Braves Minute here.

BRAVES BITES:

* Birthday boy, Jarrod Saltalamacchia launched his fourth homerun of the season ending an 0-8 skid.
* The Braves left 9 men on base, 4 in scoring position.
* Michael Rosamond extended his hitting streak (6-20, .300) with a single in the fourth.
* Gregor Blanco is now 4-9 (.444) in his last two games. Esquivel is 3-7 in his last two games (.429)
* The Braves are now 0-14 when trailing after 8 innings.
* The Braves are now 1-5 against Montgomery this year and 9-20 since they started play last season.
* The Braves are also 1-5 in the first game of each series this year.
* Luis Hernandez & Josh Burrus returned to the Braves lineup.

by
Bryan Eubank