Great Pitching, Late Run Leads M-Braves Past Barons 1-0

Photo by Mike Krebs

BIRMINGHAM, AL – The Mississippi Braves (23-26) picked up their first hit and run in the eighth inning. One run proved to be enough in a 1-0 win over the Birmingham Barons (17-33) on Saturday night at Regions Field.

LHP Luis De Avila delivered six shutout innings, and the bullpen shut down the Barons over the final three innings to secure the win. The M-Braves drew 10 walks and picked up three hits. All three hits came in the eighth inning or later.

De Avila posted a season-high six shutout innings, allowing just one hit. The left-hander walked four and struck out seven. De Avila settled for a no decision and dropped to a 3.35 ERA in 43 innings over 10 starts this season.

De Avila got some help from his defense. In the fifth, Justin Dean slid for a tremendous catch in shallow center to retire the side. In the sixth, a 6-4-3 double play ended the inning and gave De Avila his season-high six innings.

The M-Braves drew eight walks in the first seven innings but failed to muster a hit or bring a run in.

Jesse Franklin V lined the M-Braves first hit to center field in the eighth inning. Drew Lugbauer followed with a double off the wall in left field to put two runners in scoring position. A wild pitch scored Franklin V to give the M-Braves a 1-0 lead.

The M-Braves bullpen helped bring home the win down the stretch. LHP Alex Segal and RHP Coleman Huntley III each pitched scoreless innings.

RHP Victor Vodnik picked up his third save, ending the game on a 3-6-1 double play. The M-Braves have a chance to win the series in the finale tomorrow.

The series finale is on Sunday at Regions Field. LHP Hayden Deal (2-1, 2.84) will make the spot start for Mississippi RHP Chase Solesky (3-0, 2.79) makes the start for Birmingham. The first pitch is at 4:05 pm CT, with coverage starting 15 minutes before on 102.1 The Box, First Pitch App, and Bally Live.