Braves Skid Extends to Six: L, 4-1

The Braves fell to the BayBears for the third straight game in front another fantastic crowd (4,907) at Trustmark Park as they continued their last 5-game series of the first half with a 4-1 defeat. With the loss the Braves (40-28) still maintain their lead in the South Division but it is now at 1 game over the Suns. The Braves magic number to clinch the first half is still at 2 with 2 games remaining, so the Braves must win each of the last 2 to assure themselves of a playoff spot. (If the Braves win at least one they are assured at least a tie for the first half - by Southern League rule the first game in the second half between the two would decide the first half title). The BayBears (37-31) are out of the first half race as they trail the Braves by 3 games with 2 to play.

Neither starter factored in the decision as a one hour lightning delay chased both James Parr and Esmerling Vazquez. The BayBears turned things over to Clint Goocher and A.J. Shappi and neither disappointed as they combined to allow just one run in their six innings of work. Matt Elliott allowed a couple of 9th inning hits but escaped trouble for his 4th save of the season.

Zach Schreiber (3-2, 2.20 ERA) was charged with the loss as he gave up two walks and the three-run homer that followed to Chris Rahl that gave the BayBears the lead.

Diory Hernandez was the Braves Players of the Game as he picked up a 3-for-4 performance with a double.

The Braves will continue a 5-game series in Pearl, Mississippi at Trustmark Park as they take on the Mobile BayBears, the AA Affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks, in the fourth game of their Southern League Series. The Braves On Deck Circle presented by Wendy's will air starting at 6:05pm (CT). The First Pitch will follow at 7:05pm (CT). The Braves are scheduled to send LHP Jo-Jo Reyes (7-1, 3.80 ERA) to the hill in search of his league-leading 8th win, while the BayBears will counter with RHP Matt Green (6-2, 3.79 ERA) who is looking for his seventh 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 To catch an archived version of tonight's game or any previous MS Braves game head to Minor League Baseball.com and select the day you want to hear.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: 2:40 (1:00 delay)

ATTENDANCE: 4,907 (120,596 Total - 3,654 Home Average)

BRAVES BITES:
* The Braves fell to 21-12 at home .
* The Braves fell to 3-25 when trailing after 8 innings.
* The Braves fell to 8-16 when their opponent scores first.
* The Braves registered 10 more strikeouts on the mound.(Performance Sports Academy K's for Kids Total: $499 to the Blair E. Batson Children's Hospital)

ACTIVE HIT STREAKS (2 games or more):
*

HIT STREAKS ENDED:
*

HITLESS STREAKS ENDED:
*

ACTIVE HITLESS STREAKS:
*

TRANSACTIONS:
* NONE.

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

by
Bryan Eubank