Braves Slump Continues: L, 2-1

The Braves fell to the BayBears for the second straight game in front another great crowd (4,533) at Trustmark Park as they continued their last 5-game series of the first half with a 2-1 defeat. With the loss the Braves (40-27) still maintain their lead in the South Division but it is now at 2 games over the Suns. The Braves magic number to clinch the first half is still at 2 with 3 games remaining, but the Braves must win 2 of the last 3 to assure themselves of a playoff spot. (If the Suns lose two games they also clinch). The BayBears (36-31) are out of the first half race as they trail the Braves by 4 games with 3 to play.

Matt Harrison (5-2, 3.31 ERA) was charged with a hard luck loss as his offense was non-existent for the second night in a row. Jose Ascanio tossed two scoreless frames to keep the BayBears lead at one.

Matt Harrison was the Braves Players of the Game as tossed 7 innings of two-run baseball while allowing 6 hits and 1 walk while striking out 4 batters.

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 third 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). We will broadcasting live from the Southern Wireless Suite down the 3rd base line. The Braves are scheduled to send RHP James Parr (0-0, 4.00 ERA) to the hill in search of his 1st AA win, while the BayBears will counter with RHP Esmerling Vasquez (4-4, 3.61 ERA) who is looking for his fifth 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 To catch an archived version of tonight's game or any previous MS Braves game head to Minor League Baseball.com and select the day you want to hear.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: 2:25

ATTENDANCE: 4,533 (115,689 Total - 3,615 Home Average)

BRAVES BITES:
* The Braves fell to 21-11 at home .
* The Braves fell to 13-10 in one-run games.
* The Braves fell to 3-24 when trailing after 8 innings.
* The Braves fell to 8-15 when their opponent scores first.
* The Braves registered 6 more strikeouts on the mound.(Performance Sports Academy K's for Kids Total: $489 to the Blair E. Batson Children's Hospital)

ACTIVE HIT STREAKS (2 games or more):
* Brandon Jones -4 games (4-15, .267)
* Ray Serrano - 8 games (12-27, .444)
* Carl Loadenthal - 3 games (4-13, .308)

HIT STREAKS ENDED:
* Matt Esquivel - 2 games (5-9, .555)

HITLESS STREAKS ENDED:
* NONE

ACTIVE HITLESS STREAKS:
* Greg Creek (0-9)
* Josh Burrus (0-7)
* Mark Jurich (0-11)

TRANSACTIONS:
* RHP Joe Winkelsas activated from the Disabled List.
* RHP Moises Hernandez returned to Myrtle Beach.

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

by
Bryan Eubank