Braves Fall Apart in Finale: L, 4-3

The Braves had a string of 16 scoreless innings pitched against Montgomery snapped in a four-run eighth inning rally as the Biscuits salvaged the series finale in front of 2,697 fans at Trustmark Park. With the loss the Braves (32-18) had their lead in the South Division stay at 5 games over the Suns and Biscuits (27-23) in the South Division.

Joe Winkelsas (0-1, 0.51 ERA), had his personal run of 16.2 scoreless innings halted as well as he took the loss while giving up all four runs (1 earned) in the eighth inning rally. The rally by Montgomery spoiled a great outing by Kelvin Villa (3-3, 4.62 ERA) as he tossed seven scoreless frames while scattering 6 hits on 3 strikeouts and he did not issue a single walk. The Braves staff still leads the league in home runs allowed (19), ERA (2.95) Saves (17), and they are tied in shutouts (5).

Kelvin Villa was the Brave Player of the Game as he finished with his best outing of the season lasting 7 innings while scattering 6 hits and 3 strikeouts. He never allowed a baserunner past first base, thanks to a double play in the 3rd and a caught stealing in the 4th inning.

Biscuits starter Mike Prochaska, (1-4, 4.63 ERA) worked around three walks and was able to strand 5 Braves on the bases and induce a 5-4-3 double play which ended a possible big inning for the Braves int he 2nd inning.

The Braves will start up a 5-game series in Chattanooga, Tennessee on Memorial Day at AT&T Field as they take on the Chattanooga Lookouts, the AA Affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds, in the first game of their Southern League Series. The Braves On Deck Circle presented by Wendy's will air starting at 5:00pm (CT). The First Pitch will follow at 5:15pm (CT). The Braves are scheduled to send RHP Brad Nelson (2-0, 3.32 ERA) to the hill in his first start this season, while the Lookouts will counter with RHP Richie Gardner (0-1, 0.00 ERA) who is making his second start. Make sure you take your radio to the game and tune to the exclusive AT&T Field frequency - 101.3-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 To catch an archived version of tonight's game or any previous MS Braves game head to Minor League Baseball.com and select the day you want to hear.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: 2:29 --- ATTENDANCE: 2,697

BRAVES BITES:
* The Braves fall to 17-8 at home.
* The Braves fall to 8-5 in day games.
* The Braves fall to 26-11 when scoring first.
* The Braves fall to 28-12 when scoring 3 or more runs.
* The Braves fall to 2-16 when trailing after eight innings.
* The Braves registered 5 more strikeouts on the mound.(Performance Sports Academy K's for Kids Total: $364 to the Blair E. Batson Children's Hospital)

ACTIVE HIT STREAKS (2 games or more):
* Van Pope - 2 games (2-6, .333)
* Greg Creek - 2 games (2-6, .333)
* Ray Serrano - 4 games (5-12, .417)
* Matt Esquivel - 5 games (8-21, .381)
* Brandon Jones - 2 games (308, .375)
* Clint Sammons - 4 games (5-16, .313)

HIT STREAKS ENDED:
* NONE

HITLESS STREAKS ENDED:
* Mike Rozema (0-5) - 3-3 (3 singles)

ACTIVE HITLESS STREAKS:
* Mike Rozema (0-4)
* Mark Jurich (0-12)
* Brent Lillibridge (0-5)
* Fernando Lunar (0-11) - (DL)

TRANSACTIONS:
* NONE

(Players listed in Italics did not play in this game)

by
Bryan Eubank