Braves Skid Reaches Seven in a Row: L, 6-5

The Braves watched a three-run lead evaporate in the 6th inning and dropped the series opener to the BayBears, 6-5, in walk-off fashion in front of 4,231 fans at Hank Aaron Stadium. It marked a season high seven game losing streak for the Braves (12-24) who have lost 24 of their last 33 games, fallen to 54-52 overall, and they remain in last place in the South Division. The BayBears (16-20) picked up their fifth win in their last six games, while improving to 53-53 overall on the season. The BayBears moved to within 9 games of First Place in the South Division behind the Jacksonville Suns.

The BayBears manufactured a run in the first inning as Justin Upton drew a two-out walk, was balked to second base and came home on an RBI single by Javier Brito. The Braves responded in the fourth inning as Mark Jurich was hit by a pitch and Van Pope doubled him over to third base. Mike Rozema singled up the middle to drive in both as the ball came to a screeching halt in the damp outfield grass. The Braves did hit into three double plays in the 3rd (Young), 4th (Serrano) and 5th innings (Holt).

Josh Burrus added to the Braves lead in the 6th inning as he doubled to drive in Matt Young. Young later came in to score as Mike Rozema beat out a potential fourth double play on the night but managed to reach on the RBI fielder's choice for first 3 RBI game of the season.

The BayBears took a lead in the bottom of the eighth inning as Brad Nelson gave up a lead-off walk to Justin Upton who stole second and came in to score two batters later on Carlos Gonzalez' RBI single. The Braves managed to tie the game in the top of the ninth inning as J.C. Holt came through with his first hit in the game, a two-out RBI single to centerfield to score Mike Rozema.

In the bottom of the ninth inning Michael Nix gave up a two-out walk to Emilio Bonifacio to keep the inning alive for Mobile. Nix and Ray Serrano guessed on the first pitch that Bonifacio was going to steal and called a pitch-out, but Serrano couldn't hang on to the ball and Bonifacio moved into scoring position on the passed ball. Wilkin Castillo then ripped a base hit to left center that allowed Bonifacio to race home to win the game in walk-off fashion over the Braves.

Moises Hernandez did not factor in the decision as he allowed 4 runs in his season-high seven innings of work. He did pick up two singles and a sacrifice bunt at the plate as he tried to help his own cause. Despite both of his hits being lead off singles the Braves were never able to get him past second base and in both of those innings the Braves hit into double plays.

The Braves finished 2-for-9 with runners in scoring position in the game (2-for-9 in the series) while the BayBears finished 4-for-12 (4-for-12 in the series) in that same category. The Braves left 6 men on base (6 in the series). The BayBears left 6 stranded on base (6 in the series).

The Braves player of the game was Mike Rozema as he finished 3-for-4 at the plate with 3 RBIs and a stolen base. It was his third 3-hit game and first 3-RBI game of the season. He did struggle in the field as he was charged with an error in the 6th inning which allowed the tying run to score.

The Braves will continue a five game set in Mobile, Alabama at Hank Aaron Stadium as they take on the Mobile BayBears, the AA Affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks, in the second game of their Southern League 5-Game Series. The Braves On Deck Circle presented by Wendy's will air starting at 5:05pm (CT). The First Pitch will follow at 6:05pm (CT). The Braves will send RHP James Parr (3-3, 4.65) to the hill in search of his second win. The BayBears will counter with RHP Matt Green (10-5, 3.70 ERA) who is looking for his eleventh victory. Make sure you take your radio to the game and tune to the exclusive AT&T Field frequency - 96.7-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: 2:54

ATTENDANCE: 4,231

BRAVES BITES:
* The Braves fell to 25-31 on the road.
* The Braves fall to 17-20 in one-run games.
* The Braves fall to 13-9 in the first game of a series.
* The Braves fell to 14-30 when allowing a homerun.
* The Braves fell to 13-33 when their opponent scores first.

ACTIVE HIT STREAKS (2 games or more):
* Josh Burrus - 2 games (3-9, .333)
* Carl Loadenthal - 2 games (3-10, .300)
* J.C. Holt - 3 games (5-14, .357)
* Van Pope - 4 games (5-8, .625)
* Clint Sammons - 6 games (7-21, .333)

HIT STREAKS ENDED:
* NONE

HITLESS STREAKS ENDED:
* Mike Rozema (0-4) - 2nd inning single
* Van Pope (0-9) - 9th inning single

ACTIVE HITLESS STREAKS:
* Mark Jurich (0-3)
* Matt Young (0-4)
* Diory Hernandez (0-5)
* Isaiah Ka'aihue (0-8)
* Ray Serrano (0-13)

TRANSACTIONS:
* NONE

by
Bryan Eubank