Braves Blow Out Stars: W, 8-2

The Braves put two big innings to good use knocking off the Huntsville Stars 8-2 on Saturday afternoon in front of an announced crowd of 986 at frigid Joe Davis Stadium. The top of the order (Holt, Lillibridge, Jones) was at it again as they combined to go 7-for-15 while scoring 6 runs and driving in 2 RBIs.

Lefty Dan Smith (1-0, 0.00 ERA) became the first Braves starter to register a win going five strong innings while allowing just one unearned run in the 1st inning and striking out five batters.

The middle of the lineup wasn't bad either as Salty, Esquivel and Pope combined to go 4-for-13 while picking up 5 RBIs and 2 runs.

JC Holt (7-14, .500) continues to impress as the leadoff man leading the league with 5 runs scored and is tied for the lead in stolen bases(2). He also has collected 3 straight multi-hit games to start the sesason. The Braves didn't have to worry about stealing bases today since the bats were ringing loud at The Joe. The Braves have combined to go 9-for-26 with runners in scoring position while holding Huntsville to 0-for-19 in the same category the past two games.

The Braves will continue a five game set in Huntsville, Alabama at Joe Davis Stadium as they take on the Huntsville Stars, the AA Affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers, in game four of the series. The Braves On Deck Circle presented by Wendy's will start things off at 1:05pm with the First Pitch following at 2:05 PM (CT). The Braves are scheduled to send LHP Kelvin Villa (0-0, 0.00 ERA) to the hill, while the Stars will counter with LHP Manny Parra (0-0, 0.00 ERA).

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 To catch an archived version of tonight's game or any previous MS Braves game head to Minor League Baseball.com and select the day you want to hear.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 2-1 when scoring first.
* The Braves 1-through-3 batters combined to go 7-15.
* The Braves improve to 2-0 when leading after eight innings.
* The Braves finished 5-for-11 with runners in scoring position.
* The Braves registered 5 more strikeouts on the mound.(Performance Sports Academy K's for Kids Total: $24 to the Blair E. Batson Children's Hospital)

ACTIVE HIT STREAKS (3 games or more):
* JC Holt - 3 games - (7-14, .500)
* Brent Lillibridge - 3 games - (4-13, .308)
* Brandon Jones - 3 games - (5-14, .357)
* Van Pope - 3 games - (3-13, .231)

HIT STREAKS ENDED:
* NONE

HITLESS STREAKS ENDED:
* NONE

ACTIVE HITLESS STREAKS (More than 0-4):
* Mark Jurich (0-7)

TRANSACTIONS:
* NONE

by
Bryan Eubank