Braves Pinch Cats in Finale: W, 3-1

Mark Jurich delivered a pinch-hit two-run single in the bottom of the fifth to give the Braves a 2-1 lead they would not relinquish en route to a 3-1 win over the Mudcats in front of an announced Saturday night crowd of 3,201 at Trustmark Park. With the win the Braves pitching staff moved into a tie for first in the league in pitching (1.91 ERA).

Jose Ascanio, (1-0, 3.00 ERA) making a spot start, (First ever AA start) tossed 5 innings while allowing just a single run in the 4th. The call of the game was Manager Phillip Wellman pulling Ascanio in the bottom of the 5th with the bases loaded in favor of pinch-hitter Mark Jurich. It was just the second hit of the season for Jurich.

The Braves (7-3) did add an insurance run in the eighth inning when Scott Tyler uncorked a wild pitch with two outs to score Brent Lillibridge from third base.

Joey Devine (0-1, 1.42 ERA) tossed two scoreless innings of relief to notch his first save of the season. Joe Winkelsas (0-0, 0.00 ERA) reached 10 scoreless innings on the season with his 6th and 7th blanking of Carolina (2-8). The M-Braves bullpen allowed five runs through 19.2 innings pitched in this series ... Three of those runs were allowed by one pitcher in one inning of this series ... Minus that inning, the Braves bullpen allowed just two runs through 18.2 IP.

The Braves will enjoy an off day on Sunday and start up another five game set in Jackson, Tennessee at Pringles Park as they take on the West Tennessee Diamond Jaxx, the AA Affiliate of the Seattle Mariners, in the series opener (It's also the home opener for West Tenn). The Braves On Deck Circle presented by Wendy's will not air due to the Rebel Yell Hotline with Stan Sandroni. The broadcast will start at 7:00pm, with the First Pitch to follow at 7:05pm (CT). The Braves are scheduled to send LHP Matt Harrison (1-0, 2.70 ERA) to the hill, while the D-Jaxx will counter with LHP Jason Mackintosh (0-0, 2.25 ERA). If you're headed to or are already in Jackson, TN then take your radio and tune to 104.3-FM to hear the Braves version of the broadcast.

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 To catch an archived version of tonight's game or any previous MS Braves game head to Minor League Baseball.com and select the day you want to hear.

GAME TIME: 2:20 --- ATTENDANCE: 3,201

BRAVES BITES:
* The Braves improve to 1-1 in two-run games.
* The Braves outscored the Mudcats 19-11 in the series.
* The Braves improve to 1-1 when their opponent scores first.
* The Braves have now followed each loss this season with a win.
* The Braves finished the series 9-for-41 with runners in scoring position.
* The Braves registered 8 more strikeouts on the mound.(Performance Sports Academy K's for Kids Total: $82 to the Blair E. Batson Children's Hospital)

ACTIVE HIT STREAKS (3 games or more):
* NONE

HIT STREAKS ENDED:
* Jarrod Saltalamacchia - 6 games - (9-19, .474)

HITLESS STREAKS ENDED
* Brent Lillibridge (0-6) - (2-3, Run)

ACTIVE HITLESS STREAKS (More than 0-4)
* Jonathan Schuerholz (0-5)
* Josh Burrus (0-12)
* Greg Creek (0-12)
* Van Pope (0-11)

TRANSACTIONS:
* J.C. Holt was placed on the disabled list with a pulled hamstring.
* Diory Hernandez promoted from High A Myrtle Beach.

by
Bryan Eubank