Braves’ Five Run Eighth Sinks Wahoos In Series Opener

May 27, 2014

Daniel Corcino dominated the Braves over six innings for the Wahoos on Monday night at Trustmark Park in the series opener between the Blue Wahoos and the Mississippi Braves, but a late rally against the bullpen propelled Mississippi to a 6-3 win over Pensacola. Mississippi plated five runs and sent 10 batters to the plate against three separate relievers in the eighth inning to come from behind for the win.

Corcino held the Braves at bay after allowing a run in the bottom of the first inning. He surrendered a leadoff double in the second and didn’t allow another hit until Matt Kennelly hit a one-out double in the sixth. Corcino gave up just the 1R/ER over 6.0 innings and allowed only three hits with three walks and six strikeouts.

Travis Mattair gave the Wahoos a 3-1 advantage with a two-run home run in the third inning, his fourth homer of the year. The game stayed that way until the eighth.

The inning started with a bunt single, but four hits, a hit by pitch and an error later, the Braves had scored five times against three Blue Wahoos relievers to take a comfortable 6-3 lead to the ninth inning. Fabian Williamson (L, 0-4) entered the game with one on and nobody out and he left with one out, a run in and the bases loaded. Justin Freeman tried to pitch out of the jam, but all three runners came home and one of his own before the dust settled on the frame.

Shea Simmons (S, 14) retired the Wahoos 1-2-3 in the ninth to close it out and earn the save. Williams Perez logged seven innings in the start for the Braves. He gave up 3R/ER on seven hits with no walks and seven strikeouts, matching his season high. Despite the strong outing, the Braves starter didn’t record a decision. James Hoyt (W, 2-2) earned the win with a scoreless eighth out of the bullpen.

The Blue Wahoos will look to rebound on Tuesday night against the Braves. Reds No. 1 prospect RHP Robert Stephenson (2-4, 3.48) will start against Braves RHP Ryan Weber (1-0, 3.23). First pitch is slated for 7 p.m. at Trustmark Park.

by Tommy Thrall

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