Smith & Salty Push Streak to Four: W, 4-1

Dan Smith tossed 7 effective innings while Jarrod Saltalamacchia collected his second 2-Homer game of the season to propel the Braves to their fourth straight win over the Barons in front of a Tuesday night crowd of 3,287 at Trustmark Park. The Braves (14-5) increased their lead to three games in the South Division over the Barons (11-8) and they will go for the sweep Wednesday morning at 11:05am(CT).

Dan Smith (3-1, 1.64 ERA) was the story for the Braves as he limited the Barons to 4 hits in his seven innings of work. The only run he allowed was in the first inning and it was a bizarre one. Robert Valido popped up a shot just to Smith's left and Greg Creek dove for the ball but couldn't come up with it and he reached. He then stole second and scored two batters later on a two-out double by Cory Aldridge. The Braves have outscored the Barons 14-7 in the first four games of the series.

Michael Nix tossed a scoreless 8th while Zach Schreiber tossed the ninth for his third save of the season. The Braves lowered their team ERA back down to a Southern League Leading 2.28.

Wes Whisler (0-2, 2.45 ERA) was the hard luck loser as he yielded two runs (only one earned) in 5 innings of work. Fernando Hernandez and Mississippi native, Dewon Day both gave up a solo homerun to Jarrod Saltalamacchia, which were his 5th and League-Leading 6th of the season.

Van Pope tripled to lead off the 5th inning and was brought home on a Diory Hernandez one-out single. It was the 8th RBI in 10 games for Hernandez. The Braves finished 1-for-9 with runners in scoring position while the Barons were 1-for-6 in the same category.

The Braves will wrap up a five game set in Pearl, Mississippi at Trustmark Park as they take on the Birmingham Barons, the AA Affiliate of the Chicago White Sox, in the Final Game of their Southern League Series. The Braves On Deck Circle presented by Wendy's will not air due to Max'd Out wth Max Howell, while the First Pitch will follow at 11:05am (CT). The Braves are scheduled to send LHP Kelvin Villa (1-1, 3.77 ERA) to the hill in search of his second win, while the Barons will counter with RHP Kris Honel (1-0, 1.69 ERA) who is seeking his second victory. Make sure you take your radio to the game and tune to the exclusive Trustmark Park frequency - 104.3-FM.

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 To catch an archived version of tonight's game or any previous MS Braves game head to Minor League Baseball.com and select the day you want to hear.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: 2:11 --- ATTENDANCE: 3,287

BRAVES BITES:
* The Braves improved to 2-2 in two-run games.
* The Braves improved to 8-1 at Trustmark Park.
* The Braves improved to 2-1 in three-run games.
* The Braves improved to 8-1 when hitting a homerun.
* The Braves improved to 11-0 when leading after eight innings.
* The Braves improved to 4-1 when when their opponent scores first.
* The Braves have at least one extra base hit in every game this season.
* The Braves registered 9 more strikeouts on the mound.(Performance Sports Academy K's for Kids Total: $157 to the Blair E. Batson Children's Hospital)

ACTIVE HIT STREAKS (3 games or more):
* Jarrod Saltalamacchia - 8 games - (13-31, .419) (Team High)
* Mark Jurich - 7 games - (10-24, .417) - DNP
* Greg Creek - 7 games - (10-24, .417)

HIT STREAKS ENDED:
* NONE

HITLESS STREAKS ENDED
* Matt Esquivel (0-16) - (2-4, 2B, Run, SB)

ACTIVE HITLESS STREAKS (More than 0-4)
* Jonathan Schuerholz (0-7)
* Fernando Lunar (0-7)
* Josh Burrus (0-9)

TRANSACTIONS:
* NONE

by
Bryan Eubank