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(5/13) Rome hosts Augusta> Scoreboard

(5/12) Braves fall a run short yet again. Augusta 2, Rome 1> Box score

>(Media release) The Augusta GreenJackets defeated the Rome Braves Monday night in front of 2,740 fans by a final score of 2-1. 

The GreenJackets took the lead in the first inning when Francisco Peguero scored on an Andrew Davis force out to make the score 1-0.  Augusta added their second and final run of the game in the fourth when Angel Villalona hit a solo homerun (3) to left field making the score 2-0.  The Braves would add their only run of the night in the fifth inning when Jon Gilmore scored on a CJ Lee single.

Madison Bumgarner gets the win (4-2) and Daniel Otero records the save (8) for the GreenJackets.  Jeffrey Locke gets the loss (1-4) for the Braves.  Locke was taken off the field in the sixth inning after he was hit in the leg on a line drive to the mound.  He walked off the field after the incident.    

Rome area native Charlie Culberson had a good night for Augusta.  He went 2-3 with two singles and a walk.

>Vs. Augusta through Thursday; 10:30 a.m. game Wednesday.

>Saturday night promotion: Zooperstars! 7 p.m. gametime

>Vs. Hickory through May 19

(5/10) Braves beat Drive, 6-1; hold off late challenge> Box score

>(Media release) The Drive (20-17) may have been looking ahead to their off day on Sunday, as they dropped the series finale to the Rome Braves (13-23), 6-1, in front of the largest crowd of the year at Fluor Field – 6,312.

The Drive plated their only run in the bottom of the first, recording three of their five hits in the inning.  Che-Hsuan Lin extended his hit streak to 16-games with a leadoff single and would come around to score after two stolen bases and a Yamaico Navarro single.

From there Rome starter Jose Ortegano (1-2) was on cruise control, retiring seven batters in a row at one point while allowing just two more Greenville hits in his 7.0 inning outing.  From the second through the eighth innings, Ortegano and reliever Edgar Osuna did not allow a single Drive baserunner to reach second base.

Meanwhile the Rome offense attacked Jose Alvarez (1-5) for five runs over 5.0 innings.  Jon Gilmore and Randy Gress gave the Braves the lead in the top of the second, with back-to-back RBI-groundouts.  In the fifth, Rome took a commanding four run lead as David Berres scored on an error, and Freddie Freeman belted a two-run homer.

A scary moment occurred in the top of the fifth as Mike Jones and Braves batter CJ Lee collided on a force out at first base.  After several minutes of being checked on by both trainers, Jones and Lee were able to walk-off under their own power.  Both players, however, were substituted for as a precautionary measure.

Relievers Jordan Craft, Daniel Bard, and Kyle Fernandes were able to hold the potent Braves offense to a minimum, allowing just a run on Heyward’s RBI-double in the seventh, over the final four innings.

The bottom of the ninth was indicative of the Drive’s misfortune as they loaded the bases with no outs against Cory Gearrin.  However, Greenville was unable to push across a run as Benino Pruneda recorded three straight strikeouts to end the threat and earn his second save.

(5/9) Braves fall, 5-2, to Greenville> Box score

>(Media release) A balanced attack offensively and on the mound, coupled with a three-run fifth inning allowed the Drive (20-16) to cruise to a 5-2 victory Friday night over the Rome Braves (12-23) in front of 5,581 fans at Fluor Field.

With the two teams knotted at 2-2, the Drive sent seven batters to the plate, tallying three runs on four hits.  David Mailman and Kristopher Negron began the inning with back-to-back singles before Che-Hsuan Lin tripled home both runners.  Yamaico Navarro then recorded his first of three hits, singling in Lin.

Both the Braves and Drive engaged in a game of cat and mouse through the first four innings as they both scored single runs in the first and fourth innings.  Jason Heyward put Rome on the board with a solo homer.  Greenville answered right back as Ryan Kalish scored on Navarro’s double, which was aided by a Cody Johnson error.

Heyward accounted for the Braves second run as he begin the top of the fourth by drawing a leadoff walk.  After Freddie Freeman double, Heyward scored on a wild pitch.  But once again the Drive answered back as Luis Exposito belted a solo homer in the home half of the fourth.

Chris Province lasted 6.0 innings, allowing both of Rome’s runs on five hits and two walks while fanning three.  The right-hander won his second consecutive start and improved to a perfect 3-0 on the season.

Ryne Lawson and Felix Ventura combined on the final three innings, holding the Braves scoreless.  Ventura tossed a perfect ninth, striking out two, to earn his third save.

(5/8) Greenville drops Braves 5-3> Box score

(Media release) For the second straight night, the Drive mustered just five hits off of Rome Braves pitching.  But Thursday yielded different results as Greenville took advantage of two Rome errors in a 5-3 victory at Fluor Field.

Kristopher Negron began the bottom of the third with a leadoff single and subsequently stole second and advanced to third on a throwing error by Braves pitcher Eric Barrett (1-3).  Che-Hsuan Lin followed by reaching on a fielding error by Michael Fisher, allowing Negron to score.

The Drive utilized small ball tactics for the second run of the inning as Lin advanced to second on Ryan Kalish’s groundout, stole third, and then scored on Yamaico Navarro’s groundout.

Leading 2-1 in the bottom of the fourth, the Drive broke the game open with three more runs, sending all nine batters to the plate.  With the bases loaded and just one out, Lin, Kalish, and Navarro each collected an RBI with a single, walk, and another single, respectively.

While he lasted just 4.0 innings and did not factor into the decision, Greenville starter Terumasa Matsuo turned in another good outing.  The Japanese product held the Braves scoreless through the first three innings, recording five of his six strikeouts over that span.

The Braves finally got on the scoreboard in the top of the fourth with a Javier Dominguez single.  An inning later Rome cut the deficit to two with a pair of runs.  CJ Lee and Cole began the inning with a single and double, respectively, bringing a close to Matsuo’s evening.

Chad Povich (4-0) allowed both inherited runners to score, but from there he was lights out.  In 4.0 scoreless innings of relief, the right-hander scattered four hits while fanning four.  Bryce Cox pitched a perfect ninth to earn his third save of the season.

The win was bittersweet, however, as first baseman Mike Jones finished 0-for-3, snapping his franchise record hit streak at 28 games.  It was the third longest streak of its kind in the last two decades in the South Atlantic League.  With his 1-for-4 effort, Lin was able to extend his own hitting streak to 14 games.

The Drive and Braves continue their four-game series tomorrow evening with first pitch set for 7:05 PM.  Right-hander Chris Province will toe the rubber for Greenville as Rome counters with lefty Chad Rodgers.

(5/7) Braves win, 5-1, to give manager Ingle his 1,000th win> Box Score

The  Rome Braves were ready to salute manager Randy Ingle with his 1,000th career win before leaving on their latest road trip. They didn't know the key win would come five games later vs. the Greenville Drive.

Rome lost four in a row to Augusta and then once to the Drive before leaving Rome. The celebration was on hold.

It took a day game in Greenville--former home of the Double A Braves--to achieve the milestone win. Ingle's 500th win came in July 2000 as he coached the Richmond Braves (background).

Ingle also has coached the Macon (now Rome) Braves as well as the organization's High-A team, the Myrtle Beach Pelicans, his last stop before arriving in Rome three seasons ago.

Photo by Mills Fitzner

(5/6) Braves swept by Augusta. Final score 7-0> Box score

(5/5) Braves hammered 10-2 by Augusta: Box score

(5/4) Play it again: Braves lose, 2-1, to  Augusta> Box score

(5/3) Braves lose another one-run game; this time at Augusta> Box score

(5/2) Braves go 1-3 in latest homestand. Drive wins, 5-4> Box score

>(Media release) The Greenville Drive defeated the Rome Braves Friday night in front of the near sellout crowd of 4,807 by a final score of 5-4.  Greenville won the series three games to one.

Greenville started things off in the first inning when Che-Hsuan Lin and Ryan Kalish both singled and later scored on a Manny Arambarris double to make the score 2-0.  The Braves scored their first run of the game in the bottom of the third inning when David Berres singled to right, stole second, and advanced to third on a ground out.  Berres would score on a wild pitch to make the score 2-1.  The Braves tied the game in the fifth when Adam Coe hit a solo homerun (1) to even the score at two.  The Drive would regain the lead in the top of the eighth inning with a combination of well-placed hits and Braves miscues.  Yamaico Navarro scored from third on a throwing error by pitcher Cory Gearrin.  Mike Jones also scored on another throwing error to take the lead 4-2.  Will Vasquez scored the final run of the night for the Drive on a David Marks single to make it a 5-2 game.  Rome scored two runs in the ninth to come up one run short in the 5-4 final. 

Ryne Lawson gets the win (2-1) and Bryce Cox records the save (2) for the Drive.  Cory Gearrin gets his first loss (0-1) for the Braves.

>Roster moves: Third baseman Samuel Sime has been sent to extended spring training in Orlando the Rome Braves announce today.  Sime was hitting .139 in 23 games this season.  Joining the Rome club is infielder Jonathan Gilmer.  He was the Atlanta Braves selection in the compensation round of the 2007 June free agent draft (33rd overall).  Last season in the Gulf Coast League, Gilmer hit .284 with one homer and 29 RBI.

(5/1) Braves bounce back, beat Greenville, 5-0> Box score

>(Media release) The Rome Braves defeated the Greenville Drive Thursday night for their first shutout of the season in front of 2,909 fans.  Final score was 5-0.

The Braves started things off in the bottom of the second inning when Cody Johnson hit a double to center field and later scored on an Adam Coe double down the left-field line for the 1-0 lead.  The Braves had their biggest scoring inning of the night in the bottom of the fourth when they plated three runs against the Drive.  The inning started when Freddie Freeman reached base on a fielding error which sent him to second.  He would score on a Samuel Sime single for the 2-0 score.  Sime would steal third, CJ Lee would walk, and both would later score on a Michael Fisher single for the 4-0 lead.   Rome would add their final run of the night in the fifth inning when Cody Johnson singled, stole second, and then later scored on an Adam Coe single making the score 5-0.  The Rome bullpen held on to the shutout for the final four innings.

Jeff Locke gets the win (1-2).  Locke pitched well going six innings, striking out six, while allowing no walks.  The loss goes to Ryan Colvin (1-1).The Braves recorded their first nine-inning shutout since May 1, 2007

(4/30) Rome drops third straight; Greenville wins, 6-2> Box score

>Latest game, fan photos from Mills Fitzner> Focus

>Rome Braves' attendance at 3,505 per game in April: The first month of the season was a good one for the Braves. Rome saw an average of 3,505 fans for each of the 13 games, including 4,137 on Wednesday. 2007 total season average: 3,372.

(Media release) Highlights: The Greenville Drive defeated the Rome Braves Wednesday afternoon at State Mutual Stadium 6-2 in front of a loud 4,137 fans.

The Drive started things off in the top of the first inning to take the lead 1-0.  Yamaico Navarro grounded out to score Che-Hsuan Lin who earlier singled and advanced on a groundout and stolen base. Greenville would add another run to their lead in the fifth when Ty Weeden singled, advanced on a single by Kristopher Negron, and later scored on another groundout giving the Drive a 2-0 advantage.  Greenville scored two more runs in the seventh inning when Che-Hsuan Lin singled up the middle scoring two runs for the 4-0 lead.  The Drive added two insurance runs in the eighth on a Manny Arambarris two run homer (3).

The Braves’ only scoring threat happened in the eighth when Adam Coe hit a bases clearing double with two men on for the 6-2 score. 

Jose Alvarez gets his first win of the season (1-3) while Jose Ortegano suffers the loss (0-1).

(4/29) Greenville shifts to 'overDrive' to beat Braves, 8-4> Box score

Close call: The tag looks good but it wasn't enough to stop Greenville's comeback Tuesday night at State Mutual Stadium. For more game photos from Mills Fitzner, please click Focus.

>The Braves led this one 4-0 after three innings but the Greenville Drive stormed back with eight runs.

>Media release: The Greenville Drive cruised past the Rome Braves Tuesday night at State Mutual Stadium 8-4 before 2,942 fans. Things started well for the Braves when Rome scored three runs in the first inning highlighted by RBI singles from Jayson Heyward and Freddie Freeman to give Rome the 3-0.  The Braves added another run in the third on another RBI single from Freddie Freeman for the 4-0 lead.  Freeman had three RBI on the night for the Braves.     

Greenville cut into the Rome lead in the fourth inning on a two run homer by David Mailman (1) and an RBI single by Yamaico Navarro to close the gap to 4-3.  Greenville would tie the game 4-4 in the fifth on an RBI single by Kristopher Negron.  The Drive would take the lead in the sixth Mike Jones’ RBI base hit to make the score 5-4.  In the ninth, Greenville would add three big insurance runs on an Luis Exposito three run blast to left (3) for the 8-4 score and final.     

Chad Povich gets the win (2-0) and Yeliar Castro was the loser for Rome (0-2).  Bryson Cox earns his first save for the Drive.

>Wednesday's game starts at 10:30 a.m. Track it here> Scoreboard

>Pitcher goes on DL: Pitcher Steven Evarts has been placed on the disabled list, the Rome Braves announced today.  Evarts was 2-0 with a 1.50 ERA in three starts for Rome this season.  Joining the club is Casey Beck from extended spring training in Orlando. Beck was an eighth round selection in the 2006 June free agent draft for the Atlanta Braves.  He was 1-2 at Danville last season.  

(4/28) Talk about a real Diamond on the diamond for the Rome Braves:

(Media release) Minor League Baseball has selected Rome Braves pitcher Scott Diamond for Pitcher of the Week honors in the South Atlantic League.  This past week was a solid one for Diamond, who went 2-0 with an astounding 0.75 ERA in two starts.  He gave up just one earned run in 12 innings of work along with 12 strikeouts.  (Click Stats)

(4/27) Rome splits road series after Sunday loss to Savannah> Box score

SandGnats win finale, 4-2; Rome goes 3-3 on the road. The Braves are off Monday and open a four-game homestand with Greenville on Tuesday.

(4/26) Rome wins, 7-2, in Savannah> Box score

>(Media release) Jason Heyward hit two home runs and Scott Diamond pitched six scoreless innings as the Rome Braves cruised passed the Sand Gnats 7-2 on Saturday night at Historic Grayson Stadium.

Heyward hit a pair of home runs, a two-run blast off the video board in the first and a solo shot to left in the seventh. He finished 3-for-5 with 4 RBI.

Scott Diamond (2-0) tossed 6.0 innings, holding the Sand Gnats to 4 hits while striking out 6. The left-hander earned his second win in a week against Savannah after beating the Gnats on Monday night in Rome.

Darren Clark provided a highlight for the Sand Gnats, hitting his first home run of the year, a 2-run shot in the bottom of the ninth inning to dash any shutout hopes for Rome. 

Scott Moviel (1-4) lost his fourth start in a row, allowing 6 runs on 7 hits in 4.0 innings.

(4/25) Braves lose, 5-3, to Savannah: Box score

>Game highlights: Here

(4/24) Revenge! A one-run game finally goes the Braves' way. Rome wins, 5-4> Box score

>(Media release) The Rome Braves used three home runs, including a solo shot in the eighth from Freddie Freeman that gave the Braves a 5-4 win at Historic Grayson Stadium on Thursday night.

Savannah led 1-0 in the sixth when Samuel Sime hit the first pitch from Michael Antonini out to left to tie the game. After Michael Fisher reached on an error by Greg Veloz, Jason Heyward singled to right. Next, Cody Johnson hit a deep home run to center field to give Rome a 4-1 lead.

Savannah rallied in the seventh when Brandon Kawal led off with a double down the right-field line off Braves reliever Yeliar Castro. After a wild pitch, Daniel Stegall earned a base on balls to put runners on the corners. After Veloz popped out, Matt Bouchard tripled to the gap in right-center to pull the Gnats within a run. With

Jordan Abruzzo batting, the Gnats tied the game when Braves catcher Javier Dominguez allowed a passed ball that scored Bouchard from third.

Gnats reliever Edgar Ramirez (2-1) retired the first two Rome hitters in the eighth before Freeman took him deep to right for the deciding run. Ramirez was charged with the loss.

Lost in the home run barrage were two strong outings from the starters. Savannah’s Michael Antonini cruised through the first five innings, allowing just 2 hits and no runs. His final line was 5.2 innings, 6 hits, 4 runs (3 earned), and 6 strikeouts. Jose Ortegano went 6.0 innings, allowing 5 hits and 1 run while striking out 8 for Rome.

Benino Pruneda (1-1) pitched a scoreless final 2.1 innings to earn the win for Rome.

>Roster moves: The Rome Braves announce that outfielder Concepcion Rodriguez has been sent to the Myrtle Beach Pelicans of the Carolina League.  Rodriguez was having a fine season in Rome hitting .267 and led the team in RBI with 12 and was second on the team in home runs with three. Joining the Rome club will be outfielder David Berres from extended spring training.  Last season Berres played for the rookie Gulf Coast League Braves.

(4/23) Catfish score early, beat Braves, 5-2> Box score

>(Media release) The Columbus Catfish snapped a 3-game losing streak with a win over their South Atlantic League rival Rome Braves at Golden Park Wednesday Night.  Catfish ace Jason Ragan went 5 strong innings, only allowing 2 runs on 6 hits and improving his record to 4-0 on the season.  Additionally, Ragan was helped to the win by the dependable Columbus bullpen; which combined for 4 innings of work while not allowing a single run. 

The Catfish jumped out front with 2 runs early in the bottom of the first inning; led off by standout centerfielder Emeel Salem who singled to reach first base.  After reaching first, Salem did what he does better than anyone else in professional baseball and stole second base; tallying the leadoff hitter’s eighteenth stolen base of the season and putting him in scoring position.  Cody Cipriano then grounded out to Rome first baseman Freddie Freeman, advancing Salem to third base.  After the three-hole hitter Reid Fronk reached base on a hit-by-pitch, cleanup hitter Greg Sexton drove in the first 2 Catfish runs on an RBI triple. 

Columbus added another run in the bottom of the second inning and their fourth run of the ballgame in the latter half of the fifth.  Shortstop Omar Luna doubled in the seventh and was driven in 2 batters later on a sacrifice fly off of the bat of designated hitter Cody Cipriano; giving the Catfish all the runs they would need to get over the hump and snap their 3-game skid. 

Rome plated their only 2 runs of the game in the fifth on 3 hits; which would be all that they could manage off of the Columbus pitching staff.  The final score was 5-2 in favor of the hometown team, as Columbus improved their record to 9-11.

(4/22) FINALLY! Braves get first road win of 2008, beat Catfish, 6-1: Rome lost six straight road games before Tuesday night's win in Columbus. It also was Rome's fourth win in five games> Box score

(4/21) Braves win, go 3-1 in latest homestand: The Rome Braves beat the SandGnats of Savannah 7-2 Monday night, taking the series three games to one before starting a six-game road trip> Box score

>(Media release) The Rome Braves scored five runs in the first four innings to cruise to a 7-2 win in front of 2,541 fans at State Mutual Stadium.

The Braves took an early 1-0 lead in the first when Cole Miles led off with a single to left, stole second, and moved to third on a wild pitch. Jason Heyward then grounded out to first and Miles came around to score.

The next inning Savannah’s Jordan Abruzzo (1) led off with a solo homerun to left, tying the game 1-1.  In the bottom of the second Concepcion Rodriguez walked and Rome Braves newcomer Benji Johnson moved him to second on a groundout. Adam Coe then doubled to left scoring Rodriguez and putting the Braves back on top 2-1.

The Braves would add to their lead with one run in the third and then two more in the fourth to make the score 5-1. The two innings were highlighted by a Cody Johnson double scoring Fisher and then a Michael Fisher two run homerun (1).

In the fifth Savannah’s Jake Eigsti doubled and Daniel Stegall singled to score Eigsti and cut the lead to 5-2.  Rome added insurance runs in the seventh and eighth highlighted by a Cody Johnson mammoth homerun (4) and the Braves take the game by a final of 7-2. 

>Braves' roster moves: The Rome Braves announce that catcher Chris Anderson has been sent to extended spring training in Orlando and later added to the Danville roster.  In 10 games, Anderson was hitting .121 with three RBI. Joining the Rome club will be catcher Benji Johnson from extended spring.  Last season in Danville, Johnson hit .282 with 12 RBI. 

>Monday's Photo Focus: Newly called up catcher Benji Johnson, right, gets a celebratory hug from ace reliever Edgar Osuna following Monday's win. For more game photos from Mills Fitzner, click Focus

(4/20) Braves go on late-inning scoring blitz, beat Savannah, 10-3>Box score

(Media release) The Rome Braves defeated the Savannah Sand Gnats 10-3 in front of 4,135 fans on a beautiful Sunday afternoon at State Mutual Stadium.

Savannah came out of the gate swinging in the first inning when Jose Jimenez and Jordan Abruzzo hit back to back doubles giving the Gnats a 1-0 lead.

In the top of the third Savannah would add two more runs to their lead making it 3-0. Daniel Stegall singled to left, advanced to second on a ground out, and scored on a Richard Lucas single.  Jose Jimenez, and Jordan Abruzzo then added singles of their own to load the bases and Francisco Pena lined a base hit to left scoring Lucas and making the score 3-0 Savannah.

The Braves would cut the lead to 3-2 in the third.  Chris Anderson and Cole Miles singled and advanced on a wild pitch.  Second baseman Greg Veloz then made a fielding error on a ball hit by CJ Lee allowing both runners to score.   

In the bottom of the seventh the Braves would take the lead with five runs.  The inning was highlighted by an Adam Coe RBI single and a two run triple by CJ Lee. Lee would add another triple in the eighth with the bases loaded giving Rome needed insurance runs for the 10-3 score.

Rome’s Tommy Palica gets the win in releif (2-1) and Jacobo Neguilis suffered the loss (0-1) for Savannah.

>Photo: The Rome Braves put on a hitting clinic for fans on Sunday. Catching, too. For more game photos from Mills Fitzner, click Focus

(4/19) SandGnats snap back, hand Braves another one-run loss, 5-4> Box

(Media release) The Savannah Sand Gnats defeated the Rome Braves 5-4 in front of 4,762 fans Saturday night at State Mutual Stadium.

The Gnats struck in the first inning for the early lead. Richard Lucas led off with a walk and Jose Jimenez followed with an RBI double.  Jordan Abruzzo and Fransico Pena would both single and Jimenez would come around to score making it 2-0 Savannah.

Rome would close the gap in the bottom of the second when Samuel Sime singled to center and Javier Dominguez followed with a walk. Cole Miles then added a single scoring Sime to make it a 2-1 game.

In the bottom of the fifth the Braves would take the lead 3-2.  Jason Heyward and Cody Johnson walked, and a double steal put them on second and third. Freddie Freeman then singled to center scoring Heyward and Johnson putting Rome in front 3-2.  The lead would not hold up however, when Matt Bouchard walked in the eighth and a wild pitch moved him to second. Jimenez also walked and Abruzzo doubled to left scoring Bouchard and moving Jimenez to third. Fransico Pena then singled to center scoring Jimenez and Abruzzo making it 5-3 Savannah.

The Braves would attempt a comeback in the ninth scoring one run off of an Adam Coe RBI single but the Gnats bullpen would hold on to notch the 5-4 victory.

Edgar Ramirez gets the win (2-0) going three innings and striking out three. Chad Rogers suffers the loss (1-3) in relief of Jose Ortegano who went six innings gave up only two earned runs and struck out seven. Jose Bierd gets the save (2).

>Photo: Myron Noodleman (think Jerry Lewis) entertains the crowd Saturday night. For more Noodleman and game photos from Mills Fitzner, click Focus

(4/18) Braves win, end six-game losing streak, 3-1> Box score

>Below:  Ceremony honors retired SAL president John Henry Moss

>(Media release) The Rome Braves took game one of a four game set with the Savannah Sand Gnats 3-1 before 3,120 fans. The Braves scored first and never looked back when Michael Fisher walked in the bottom of the third and Concepcion Rodriguez followed with a single to center. Jason Heyward then singled to score Fisher.  The ball got by the Savannah centerfielder Daniel Stegall which allowed Rodriguez to score giving Rome a 2-0 lead. The Sand Gnats would attempt a comeback in the sixth when Jake Eigsti led off with a triple and later scored on a ground out  by Greg Veloz making the score 2-1.The Braves would add some insurance in the bottom of the eighth inning as Cody Johnson singled and scored on a Freddie Freeman double for the 3-1 advantage. The Rome bullpen shutdown the Sand Gnats in the ninth inning to preserve the victory. Stephen Evarts picked up the win (2-0) with a stellar outing going six innings, allowing only one run, and striking out three. Bunito Pruneda gets the save (1) and Angel Calero takes the loss (0-2).

>Photo: Lily, the K-Girl, attends a first Rome Braves' game and gets a hug from Roxie. Braves win! Braves win!--Ernie "The 59-year-old K-Man" Studard

>Braves release pitcher, welcome Chattanooga native: (Media release) The Rome Braves announce pitcher Raul Gonzalez has been released.  In 6.1 innings of work, Gonzalez had a 12.79 ERA giving up 12 hits and nine earned runs. Rome receives Cory Gearrin from extended spring training in Orlando.  Gearrin, a native of Chattanooga, TN, was 1-1 last season in Danville with a 4.44 ERA.  He played college baseball at Mercer University in Macon and was drafted in the fourth round of the 2007 June free agent draft.   

Braves honor John Henry Moss, league's first president

Special ceremonies Friday night honored John Henry Moss, the first president of the South Atlantic League who retired following last season. Moss is on a tour of all SAL ballparks this year and Rome was the first stop. For a photo series of the Moss ceremony and game shots from Mills Fitzner, click Photos

(4/16) Another one-run stunner leaves Rome 0-for-6 on the road> Box score

>(Media release) It took an inning of free baseball for the Columbus Catfish to defeat the Rome Braves Wednesday night; but their bats came up big when they needed to as the ‘Fish downed the Braves 2-1 in 10 innings.  The Rome Braves came out hot in the top of the first, as Heyward and Freeman would both double with 2 outs to plate Rome’s only run of the game.  However, Columbus’ starter Josh Johnson (1-1) settled down and shutout the Braves for the next 4 plus innings, before being relieved by the dependable Catfish bullpen.  Travis Barnett and John Baird would combine for 5 shutout innings, while striking out 6 and only allowing a combined total of 2 hits. Columbus picked up their first run of the game in the bottom of the sixth on a homerun from Cody Cipriano, his second of the season.  The two teams would remain tied in to the bottom of the tenth inning, when Omar Luna singled to score Henry Wrigley from second base to win the game, evening up the Catfish’s seasonal record at 7-7.

(4/15) Vs. Catfish, Braves drop fifth straight game, 6-3> Box score

>(Media release) The Catfish bullpen came through with another big performance Tuesday night, as they pitched five innings of shutout ball in a 6-3 win over the Rome Braves.  Rome began the game by scoring one run in each of the first three innings off of Glenn Gibson, as the lefty continued to struggle as he had in his first two starts.  Columbus would rally for three runs in the bottom of the third inning on a single from Shawn Williams, followed by a walk to Omar Luna, and a double by Emeel Salem to even the score.  Columbus would tack on another run in the sixth, and two in the eighth to make the score 6-3.  The bullpen then closed out the game in the ninth with the third save of the season from Travis Risser.

(4/14) Another one-run wonder gives RiverDogs the sweep, 4-3> Box score

>Next up: Games in Columbus Tuesday, Wednesday; off Thursday

>(Media release) Charleston came from behind for a fourth straight night and won an eighth consecutive victory, this time a 4-3 thriller over the Rome Braves in South Atlantic League action Monday night in front of 2,302 fans at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park.

Charleston sweeps the four-game series against Rome, with all four victories coming by a single run after trailing at some point in each contest.  The first place RiverDogs improve to 11-1 on the season and record their first eight-game winning streak since May 2006.

The perfect week at home is believed to mark the first eight-game sweep of a homestand in Riley Park history.  The 11-1 start to the campaign is the best 12-game start of any season this decade, besting an 8-4 start in 2003.

The Braves fell to 4-8 and have lost four straight.  Rome is now 1-7 against Charleston this season.

In the bottom of the eighth inning with the Braves ahead, 3-2, Abraham Almonte reached on a one-out fielder’s choice on a failed sacrifice attempt.  Justin Snyder then singled, and Rome brought in closer Benino Pruneda to pitch.

After Snyder got caught in a rundown during the ensuing at-bat by Brandon Laird, Almonte moved to third with a stolen base when Rome botched the rundown.  Laird then drew a walk to load the bases which brought up Jesus Montero, who had recorded game-winning hits in the first two games of the series. 

Montero lined a hard grounder to second baseman Cole Miles, who misplayed it into right field for an error, and Almonte and Snyder scored the tying and go-ahead runs, respectively.

Rome staged a rally in the ninth against Charleston closer Chace Vacek.  Concepcion Rodriguez drew a leadoff walk and moved to second on Adam Coe’s sacrifice bunt.  Samuel Sime advanced Rodriguez on a groundout to second, and Cody Johnson came in to pinch hit for Carlos Lee. 

Vacek’s first pitch to Johnson came wildly to the plate, but the ball ricocheted off the backstop directly into the hands of catcher Montero, who caught Rodriguez in a rundown that ended the game on a wild 2-5-1-6 play.

Wilkins de la Rosa (1-0) picked up his first win of the season as he threw two complete innings of relief and struck out five Braves. Vacek collected his third save of the young season.

After the initial two innings went scoreless, Rome hit the scoreboard in the third when Lee singled and scored when the next batter, Anderson, doubled him home. 

The Braves plated another run with two outs on Michael Fisher’s run-scoring single to right to give the visitors a 2-0 advantage.

But Charleston came right back in the third frame to knot the score at 2-2 against Braves starter Jeff Locke.  Carmen Angelini led off with a single, stole second and third bases, and scored on Taylor Holiday’s RBI single to center field to pull within one, 2-1.  Holiday advanced from first to third on consecutive groundouts, then scored the tying run on Snyder’s RBI single to left field.

Rome went back on top in the sixth against RiverDogs starter Jairo Heredia.  Miles doubled leading off and moved to third when Fisher reached an error by RiverDogs third baseman Brandon Laird.  Jason Heyward was credited with an RBI as Miles scored on Heyward’s fielder’s choice to second.

Locke pitched 5.1 frames and allowed two runs on four hits while striking out five RiverDogs.  Chad Rodgers (1-2) came on in relief of Locke and pitched two innings and allowed two runs on a pair of hits.

The RiverDogs had seven hits on the night with Snyder grabbing two, while the Braves recorded only four hits.  Montero had one hit to extend his hitting streak to eight games.  He recorded 13 hits and ten RBI in the homestand.

>Roster moves: Lundahl, Silva join Myrtle Beach; Lee,  Gress arrive

(Media release) The Rome Braves announce that infielder Chad Lundahl and outfielder Yohan Silva have been sent to the Myrtle Beach Pelicans of the Carolina League.  Joining the Rome roster will be outfielder Carlos Lee and infielder Randy Gress from extended spring training.  Lee, a 20th round pick from East Tennessee State University, hit .245 at Danville last season.  Gress, an 18th round pick, split time between the GCL Braves and Danville Braves in 2007 and hit a home run in his first professional at bat in the Gulf Coast League. 

(4/13) RiverDogs a game away from sweeping the Braves> Box score

Another one-run loss for the Braves as R-Dogs win, 5-4

(4/12) RiverDogs win thanks to one run in the bottom of the 11th> Scoreboard

(Media release) Catcher Jesus Montero doubled home the winning run in the bottom of the 11th inning to hand the Charleston RiverDogs a 4-3 come-from-behind victory over the Rome Braves in South Atlantic League action Saturday night in front of 3,876 fans at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park.

The red-hot RiverDogs have won six consecutive games, including the first two in this series, and have started the season with a 9-1 mark.  Charleston remains in first place in the Southern Division first-half standings, while Rome falls to 4-6.

With the game tied 3-3, third baseman Bradley Suttle opened the bottom of the 11th with a double to right center and was replaced by pinch-runner Carmen Angelini after coming up hobbling. 

With a 2-1 count, Montero, who won last night’s come-from-behind victory with a bases-loaded double down the third base line, doubled down the same line for the game-winner against Rome reliever Michael Broadway (0-1).

Charleston, which has been blistering opposing pitching in the early season, secured another double-digit hit performance against Rome with 10 on the night.  Brandon Laird and Austin Romine each collected three base knocks to lead the attack. 

Charleston pitching combined between three hurlers to allow only seven hits, two earned runs and compile 12 strikeouts in the 11 innings.  Starter Zach McAllister led the way with seven complete innings and seven punchouts, while being charged with three runs (two earned) on five hits. 

Rome first got on the scoreboard in the second inning when Freddie Freeman blooped a single and Concepcion Rodriguez whacked a one-out, 2-2 pitch from Charleston McAllister over the left field fence to hand the Braves a quick 2-0 lead.

The RiverDogs scored a pair of runs in the fifth to tie the game against Rome starter Steven Evarts.  Laird led off with a single and scored on David Williams’ long double to right center.  Romine followed with a RBI single through the right side to knot the score at 2-2.

The Braves went back on top in the sixth when Jason Heyward, with two outs, struck out but the ball got passed the catcher and Heyward ended up on first base.  After Heyward stole second, Cody Johnson took advantage of the situation and drilled a run-scoring double to right, handing the visitors a 3-2 advantage.

Charleston came right back in the seventh to tie the score at 3-3 starting with a Laird single to left.  With two out, Romine belted a hard single to right that went through the legs of Heyward, the right fielder, and Laird scored.  Heyward was charged with a two-base error.

Reliever Chace Vacek (1-0) picked up his first win of the season as he pitched the 11th inning.  Middle reliever Jason Stephens also pitched well for Charleston, as he went three complete frames and allowed two hits while striking out five Braves.
 
Evarts pitched well for Rome, going seven complete innings and allowing three runs on seven hits and striking out seven.  Broadway finished the final three frames and allowed one run on three hits.
 
Game three of this four-game series is set for Sunday at 5:05 p.m. with Charleston sending ace right-hander Dellin Betances (2-0, 3.48 ERA) to the hill.  Rome is expected to start southpaw Jose Ortegano (0-0, 9.00 ERA).

(4/12) The K Man meets the other Duck:

Ernie "The K Man" Studard sizes up The Duck from the annual Duck Derby in Cartersville during Saturday's Steeplechase. K Man and other members of the K Club took advantage of a Steeplechase as the Rome Braves traveled to Charleston for a four-game set. As for the Duck Derby: See Bartow Headlines and The Duck Report.

Photo by Bill Pelfrey Jr.

(4/11) Riverdogs rally in the eighth, beat Rome, 7-6> Box score

(Media release) Charleston exploded for five runs in the bottom of the eighth inning, highlighted by Jesus Montero’s three-run, two-out double, as the RiverDogs came from five behind to beat the Rome Braves, 7-6, in South Atlantic League action Friday night in front of a season-high 6,012 fans at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park.

The RiverDogs win a fifth straight game and improve to 8-1 on the early season.  They retain first place in the Southern Division standings, and have yet to bat in the bottom of the ninth at home.  Rome slips to 4-5.

Down 6-2 after seven innings, Charleston began the eighth rally with back-to-back one-out doubles by Carmen Angelini and Austin Krum to make the score 6-3.  Then after Abraham Almonte grounded out, Rome pitcher Carlos Rivas issued consecutive walks to Justin Snyder and Wady Rufino to load the bases. 

Montero battled to a 3-2 count, then lined a double down the left field line to clear the bases and tie the game.  He was then awarded home after a two-base throwing error by left fielder Cody Johnson, who skied his toss to the plate trying to throw out the tying run.

Rome staged a brief rally in the top of the ninth with consecutive two-out infield hits, but closer Jonathan Ortiz got Johnson on a game-ending groundout to first base.

Snyder, who entered the night as the league’s leading hitter at .464, led Charleston with three hits and reached base all five times at the plate.  He homered for the first time this season, a solo shot to right field in the seventh which kick-started the comeback from five runs down.  Snyder also collected two singles to go along with two bases on balls.

Rome opened the game with five consecutive singles and then a RiverDogs error that led to a quick 5-0 lead against Charleston starter Adam Olbrychowski.  Cole Miles, Michael Fisher, Jason Heyward, Johnson and Freddie Freeman all stroked singles in succession, and Concepcion Rodriguez reached base on a fielding error by the shortstop Angelini.

Charleston chipped at the lead with a run in the bottom of the first when Snyder singled, moved to second on a wild pitch and scored on Montero’s RBI single to make the score 5-1.

Rome returned back to a five-run lead at 6-1 in the top of the fifth when Freeman doubled down the right field line, moved to third on a passed ball and scored on Rodriguez’s sacrifice fly to center.

The RiverDogs staged a rally in the sixth frame but failed to score as they left the bases loaded.  Charleston stranded 10 runners on base through the first seven innings.

Montero, who plated four runs on the night, had two hits to match that of Brandon Laird.

Rome, which collected 12 hits on the night, was led by Fisher’s three knocks. Miles, Heyward and Freeman each recorded a pair.

Reliever Craig Heyer (1-0) picked up his first win of the season as he pitched the seventh and eighth innings and retired all six batters he faced.  Rome reliever Tommy Palica (1-1) suffered the loss as he went 1.2 innings and was charged with five runs on three hits while walking two and striking out two.

Game 2 of this four-game block is set for Saturday at 7:05 p.m. with Charleston sending right-hander Zach McAllister (1-0, 0.00 ERA) to the hill while Rome counters with lefty Steven Evarts (1-0, 0.00 ERA).

(4/10) Braves rally, beat Catfish 5-4> Box score

>The story lines:

-Rome takes first series with Catfish, three games to one.

-Braves close opening home stand with four wins, four losses

-Bullpen , late runs finally show up for the Braves

>What's next: Friday-Monday, Braves at Charleston.

>Tuesday, Wednesday: Braves at Columbus.

>Off Thursday

(4/9) Braves' turn at batting practice; beat Catfish, 10-5: There is no run shortage in this first Braves-Catfish series of the year. Rome had 10 runs to Columbus' 5 in Wednesday afternoon's game. In three games, The Catfish have scored 25 runs and Rome, 19. Wednesday's highlight: Cody Johnson hit his third home run of the season. They play again at 7 p.m. Thursday and then the Braves start their first road trip of the year> Box score

Northwest Georgia Credit Union  adds ATM at Braves games: (Media release) Northwest Georgia Credit Union has a new ATM at State Mutual Stadium, making the credit union the official ATM sponsor of the Rome Braves. 

Michael Dunn, Braves' general manager, said he is “thrilled to partner with Northwest Georgia Credit Union to provide another ATM;  it is an asset to the community and one of the great services we can provide to all.”

Said Credit Union President Cheryl Huffman: She's “glad to have a third ATM in such a great location to serve our members, but [I’m] even more excited to partner with such a great community organization like the Rome Braves.”

The ATM is next to the ticket window outside the stadium. It will serve Braves' fans as well as those driving on the bypass.

The machine is surcharge free for Northwest Georgia Credit Union members and credit union members that are part of the CO-OP Network of ATMs. The fee for non-members will be $1.50.

(4/8) Catfish filet Braves, 14-1: For the second time in three days, the Braves have given up 13 or more runs. Most of the damage came in the fourth inning (seven runs)> Box score

Former Rome Brave Jordan Schafer suspended 50 games: Major League Baseball announced late Tuesday afternoon that Jordan Schafer has been suspended 50 games for using human growth hormone> Schafer

(4/7) Braves win second straight, beat Catfish 8-6: Outfielders Cody Johnson and Jason Heyward hit home runs as Rome wins two in a row> Box score

Special K

Steve McRay, a six-year usher for the Rome Braves, celebrated his 66th birthday at the ballpark Monday night.  State Mutual Stadium is a special spot for Steve. He met his now-bride, Mary D, as both served as ushers. They were married at State Mutual last fall.

Photo by Ernie 'K Man' Studard

Braves nail that elusive first W thanks to 12 Ks

(4/6) It was a busy Sunday afternoon for The K Club in Section 206 at State Mutual Stadium. Two Braves' pitchers together posted 12 strike outs as Rome won, 4-1.

Photo by Ernie "The K Man" Studard

The K Man says that every game but Sunday, it was with special emphasis as Braves starter Steve Evarts tossed four strikeouts in five innings and reliever Edgar Osuna added eight more in four innings of relief. Final score: 4-1, Braves.

In just four innings of relief, Edgar Osuna (No. 15) threw eight strikeouts. For more game photos from Mills Fitzner, please click Focus

>Columbus Catfish in town starting Monday> Home Plate Update

Saturday/Double trouble for Rome Braves

This call looked closer from the stands than it actually was Saturday night. You can see the ball just in front of catcher Javier Dominguez 's left thigh as a Charleston Riverdog slides into home plate. For more Braves' --and post-game fireworks'--photos from Rome's Mills Fitzner, please click Focus.

The extra day off didn't help the new Rome Braves. The Charleston Riverdogs took an exciting game one, 5-4, and turned around and clobbered the Braves in game two, shutting Rome out 13-0. Most of the damage was done in the nine-run fifth inning.

>Game one box score

>Game one highlights: Home runs by Cody Johnson and Yohan Silva (away!)

>Game two box score

>Game two highlight: Great fireworks after the merciful final out.

>Today: Riverdogs go for the early season sweep at 2 p.m.

Jamie Rhodes was

one of Saturday night's K Kids, helping Ernie "The K Man" Studard hang Ks each time a Rome Braves' pitcher struck out a Riverdog.  Rome had just seven Ks to hang the entire night (14 innings).

Photo by Ernie Studard

Outfielder Concepcion Rodriguez made his return to State Mutual Stadium a memorable one Thursday night with a home run blast. It was one of few highlights in the premiere of the 2008 ball club. Rodriguez is greeted by infielder Samuel Sime (19). Photo by Mills Fitzner.

Braves drop home opener--literally--with five errors: The 2008 Rome Braves have a lot of work to do. Thursday's premiere game at State Mutual Stadium was filled with errors--five by the Braves, two by the Charleston Riverdogs. Final score: 10-4 Riverdogs. Some 3,663 fans--many in the same seats and same sections they've used for the past six seasons--came prepared for the colder weather. It was 56 degrees with a steady gust at first pitch at 7:05 p.m. Hot chocolate and coffee were in high demand> Box score

>Next game: 7 p.m. Friday, same teams> Rome Braves

Extra/Check Mills Fitzner's extensive faces of the game: From freezing fans to Thursday night's stars and stars-to-be, check out nearly 30 shots from the Rome Braves' opening night> Focus

Extra/When home plate meets unlimited dinner plate

>Gulp! Writer Mickey Seward walks you through the Braves' new all-you-can-eat seats during Thursday night's season opener

Photo by Mills Fitzner/Longtime baseball fan Mickey Seward and friend Jarrod watch between trips to the unlimited buffet and snack bar during Thursday's home opener.

For more of Fitzner's faces of the game, click Focus

It seems like such a good idea, it really does.  Combining the national pastime with an unlimited pass through the food line, all-you-can-eat seats for Rome Braves' games at State Mutual Stadium has "winner" written all over it.

But I gotta tell ya, I'm miserable.  Sure, it's a "Wow, I can't believe I ate that much food ... and I can't wait to do it again!" kind of miserable but it's still miserable. 

You see, when you put a kid in front of a bowl of candy, he's going to eat until you tell him to stop--or at least until he gets sick.  And even then, he's still going to try to get more. 

When you put a baseball fan in a ballpark and tell him to eat as much as he wants, the result is going to be similar.  It was Thursday night, anyway.

That was the plan all along. My buddy Jarrod and I went into this thing with a simple goal: we wanted to ruin this promotion for the rest of Rome.  It's nothing personal, we just wanted the Braves' staff to at least consider the fact that allowing a couple of guys into the ballpark to eat as much as they could might not be a great idea after all. 

Making the money back from the $25 tickets (the seats are in the $8 section) wasn't going to be an issue for us.  The real challenge was going to be how much over the $17 worth of food we needed to eat to break even would we consume. 

When scorecard meets menu

For the first time in my life, I went to a professional baseball game thinking as much about the concession stand as the ballgame.  There were going to be two winners this night.  One would be a baseball team.  The other winner, I knew before the game even started, would be me.  I was going to beat the concession stand.

And once I entered the ballpark, my game began.

First, we had to learn the process, since Thursday's game marked the first time this promotion has taken place in Rome.  It's not hard to figure out.  Section 117, located as far down the right field line as you can go without getting grass stains on your pants, is the all-you-can-eat section, and when you enter a tent that leads to your seat, you're given a wristband. 

The wristband is to signify that you are an all-you-can-eater; to me it's a badge of honor, a signal to anyone who cares to know that I am here to dominate my friendly rivalry with the concession stand. 

Inside that tent is a small buffet, filled with hot dogs, hamburgers, barbecue, beans, coleslaw, soft drinks and, rumor had it, fruit.  You can also pick up nachos, popcorn and ice cream bars at the concession stand behind the tent.

Before the game started, I filled a plate.  Hall-of-Famer Bruce Sutter threw out the ceremonial first pitch.  I celebrated by eating a hot dog.  After Scott Thompson of Peachtree Station belted out the National Anthem and the color guard left the field, I toasted our great nation with a hamburger. 

And that's how the night went.  The ballplayers played, the managers and coaches managed and coached, and the all-you-can-eater ate all I could eat.   And more.  

By the fourth inning, a thought came to my mind that soon had me nearly trembling in fear.  I scanned the ballpark.

'Let's play two'? Please, please no

I was looking for Ernie Banks. Banks is a National Baseball Hall of Famer who loved to play the game so much his oft-used phrase, "Let's play two!" became a cliché.

For me, a doubleheader could be disastrous.  There's no telling how many hot dogs I might be able to finish over the course of 18 innings.

Ernie always wants to play two.  At this point, I was praying I could get through just one without breaking my seat.

But something happened as the game went on.  And, honestly, it didn't take long.  Sure, I was still munching here and there.  But, you know what?  It wasn't about the food anymore.  I won that matchup early. 

I realized that it was all about the game the whole time.  I can dominate any buffet and for a lot less that 25 bucks.  But, when Concepcion Rodriguez belts a line drive over the left field wall, I enjoy that more than any hot dog.  There's more heartburn when a pop fly lands in front of the third baseman for an error than after any plate of nachos.   

Food is great.  Gimmicks are nice.  But the game's the thing.  When it all comes down to it, home plate is the only plate that matters.  It always has been, and it always will be. 

When I think about it, even though the Charleston RiverDogs, a Yankees' farm club, beat the Braves 10-4, I'm not miserable at all.  In fact, I'm feeling pretty good. 

Welcome back, baseball.  I’ve missed you.     

Mickey Seward moonlights as a Rome-area writer.  Hometown Headlines paid for his tickets and asked him to write about the Rome Braves All You Can Eat Seats. Tickets are $25 per person and include admission to the game and a special all-you-can-eat-menu. You can add beer with a $40 ticket.  Fans get field-level seating ($8 tickets) and ballpark food such as hot dogs, hamburgers, barbecue, nachos and more. For more, click www.romebraves.com

May 16 Braves' game special ticket packages to help eight charities:

(From a media release) Eight area charities are participating in the Rome Braves' first Champion Charity Challenge on Friday, May 16. Proceeds from $6 ticket sales and $20 homerun hill packages will  benefit each group.

Those taking part include Rome Action Ministries, United Way, Hospitality House, William S. Davies Homeless Shelter, Sexual Assault Center,  Coosa River Basin Initiative, The Open Door Home and Murphy Harpst

All of the groups are selling tickets for the event.  Box-level seats are $6 with $3 from each sell benefiting the organization. Also available: $20 Home Run Hill packages that include four general admission tickets and vouchers for four hot dogs; $8 from each package will go to respective group.

The Braves play the Hickory Crawdads that night with the game starting at 7 p.m.

The four charities selling the most tickets will compete in a pre-game and between-inning field day for the prize of Charity Champion. The prize: $500 and Eternal Bragging Rights. The competition includes egg toss, a spaghetti eating contest, the dizzy bat spin and the dunking booth.

To buy tickets from Rome Action Ministries, call 706-291-7731 or e-mail at RomeActionMin@aol.com.

Rounding up Romey's Rascals, 2008 edition:

The Rome Braves' popular kids club is getting ready for the new season as well (opening night is April 3 at State Mutual Stadium). This year's members receive a special T-shirt, membership bracelet, goody bag and a chance to run the bases after some games.  Included in the package ($15  per child) are:

>Homerun Hill (lawn) tickets to games: April 6, May 18, June 1, July 13 and Aug. 17.

>A members-only baseball clinic on Aug. 16 (10 a.m.-2 p.m.)

>Specific promos on the Romey Rascals' games (tokens, autographs, ice cream)

For more, call 706) 368-9388 or go click Rome Braves.

Hometown Sports

CVTC Lady Bruins volleyball begins this Saturday

(Media release) After a successful men’s basketball season, Coosa Valley Technical College is kicking of their inaugural women’s volleyball season this Saturday at 1 p.m. in Carrollton where the Lady Bruins will take on Northwestern Technical College and West Central Technical College.

Coaches Jim Williams and Robbie Nash are excited to get another Bruin season underway. The team practices at the Rome YMCA and will host home matches at Georgia Highlands. The volleyball season runs through May 17th, and admission is free to the public.

Pictured:  (top row, left to right) Nicole Chubb; Allison Henry; Jenna Stanley; Lindsay Pope; Kelsie Avila, Trainer

(Second row, left to right) Jim Williams, Coach; Kellie Glass; Ashley Holcomb; Hansley Davenport; Robbie Nash, Assistant Coach

(Bottom, left to right)  Lashae Shepherd; Jameisha Brooks; Sara Rutten

Bruin Volleyball Schedule (Times to be determined)

April 19     CVTC VS NTC, Rock Spring, GA

April 26     CVTC VS NTC and WCTC

                  Tri March at Central Carrollton High School, Carrollton, GA

May 3        CVTC VS NTC and WCTC    

                  Tri Match at Georgia Highlands, Rome, GA

May 10     CVTC VS NTC and WCTC

                  Tri Match at Lafayette High School, Lafayette, GA

Season Ending

May 17      CVTC VS NTC and WCTC

                  Tri Match at Georgia Highlands, Rome, GA

Willard Nixon Sports Hall of Fame Golf Tournament is June 13

(Media release) Registration is now open for the Willard Nixon Sports Hall of Fame Golf Tournament.  The tournament will benefit the John Pinson, Jr. Student Athlete Award Scholarship Program and will take place on Friday, June 13 at the Stonebridge Golf Club at 11 am.  Team entry fee is $300 and includes green fees, cart fees, range balls, lunch and beverages for a team of four.  Register at the Rome-Floyd Parks and Recreation Authority or Stonebridge Golf Club by Friday, June 6.  Contact Larry Powell for details: 706.291.0766

The John Pinson, Jr. Student Athlete Award was established to recognize a male and female college bound high school senior in Rome and Floyd County for outstanding academic, athletic and community achievements. The program has provided over $40,000 in scholarship money to many extraordinary student athletes. 

Shorter's 2008 football schedule out; first home game Sept. 27

(Media release) The Shorter College Hawks football team has released its
schedule for the 2008 season, playing five games at Barron Stadium with six games away.

Shorter will travel first to the NCAA Div. I-AA Western Carolina Catamounts
on Thursday, Aug. 28, in Cullowhee, N.C., for a 7 p.m. kick-off. This is the first time the Hawks have faced a Division I opponent. The Catamounts will face the Florida State Seminoles following their match-up with Shorter.

"It's a very challenging schedule, but one we are really looking forward to," said head football coach Phil Jones. "Western Carolina is in a separate category for us. On one side, it is a tremendous opportunity for our school, fans and players to be involved in a large football environment, and on the other side, it will be a difficult challenge that I believe our players will be ready for."

Following a two-week break, Shorter will continue play against another NCAA team as they take on the Division III LaGrange College Panthers on Sept. 13 for
the annual Governor's Cup at 1 p.m. in LaGrange. The Hawks' first Mid-South Conference game will be in Pikeville, Ky., on Sept. 20 as they face Pikeville College.

Shorter comes to Barron Stadium on Sept. 27 for their first home game, facing the newest conference member, the Faulkner University Eagles. This will also mark Shorter's annual Homecoming and Alumni Weekend celebration.

Following a weekend at Campbellsville University on Oct. 4, the Hawks will
return for a three-game homestand beginning on Oct. 11 with Lambuth University. The next weekend, Shorter will face first time opponent NCAA Div. II North Greenville University, followed by an exciting Thursday night football game against Union College (Ky.) at 7 p.m. on Oct. 23.

The Hawks close out the season with games against three Mid-South Western
Division opponents. On Nov. 1, they will travel to Lebanon, Tenn., to play Cumberland University, before returning for their final home game on Nov. 8 against the Belhaven College Blazers. Shorter's final regular season game will be on Nov. 15 against Bethel College in McKenzie, Tenn.

"It is a pretty typical schedule for us once our first home game hits. Our conference games will be the major focus of the season and we feel like we will be able to challenge any team for the top spot," added Jones.
 
The schedule can also be seen online at www.goshorterhawks.com.

2008 Shorter College Football Schedule:
· Aug. 28 at Western Carolina University ­ 7 p.m
· Sept. 13 at LaGrange College ­ 1 p.m.
· Sept. 20 at Pikeville College* - 1:30 p.m.
· Sept. 27 vs. Faulkner University+ ­ 1:30 p.m.
· Oct. 4 at Campbellsville University# - 1:30 p.m.
· Oct. 11 vs. Lambuth University# - 1:30 p.m.
· Oct. 18 vs. North Greenville University ­ 1:30 p.m.
· Oct. 23 vs. Union College (Ky.)* ­ 7 p.m.
· Nov. 1 at Cumberland University (Tenn.)# ­ 2:30 p.m.
· Nov. 8 vs. Belhaven College# - 1:30 p.m.
· Nov. 15 at Bethel College (Tenn.)# - 2:30 p.m.
 
Home games are played at Barron Stadium; in bold type.

* denotes Mid-South Conference Game
# denotes Mid-South Western Division Game
+ Homecoming and Alumni Weekend

Web site up for NAIA football championship set for Rome Dec. 20

(From a media release) The Web site for the 2008/2009 championship games at Barron Stadium is up: Click NAIA

The online home to the NAIA's 53rd and 54th Annual Football National Championship games includes information regarding pre-game activities, the city of Rome, the history of the game and ticket sales.

"We are excited about the Web site and the ability to share the story of the
game with the public," said Shorter College Athletic Director Bill Peterson
and co-chair of the host committee. "Not only will the site provide information surrounding the events of the game, but football fans can now begin buying tickets. We believe it will be an exceptional resource for NAIA fans in the coming months."

This year's championship be played at noon Saturday, Dec. 20, while the 2009 game is set for Dec. 19. Both will be played at Barron Stadium, home to the Shorter College Hawks and Rome High Wolves.

The site was designed and developed by Shorter College's Web manager Dana
Thompson. Contributors were Peterson; Dawn Tolbert, the college's director of institutional relations, Jim O'Hara, the Rome News-Tribune's sports editor ,and Grant Kersey, Shorter's sports information director.

GHC showcases Smithsonian tribute to Roberto Clemente

(Media release) Roberto Clemente Walker remains a legendary figure in sports, in philanthropy and in the hearts of millions of Puerto Ricans and Americans.  With a cannon arm and lightning speed, he was an outstanding baseball player; nevertheless, the Puerto Rico native’s legend reaches beyond the diamond.  A new Smithsonian traveling exhibition opening Sunday at Georgia Highlands College honors this sports hero and dedicated humanitarian.

"Beyond Baseball: The Life of Roberto Clemente" is on view until May 11. Exhibit hours are Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m. to noon; Sunday, 1 to 4 p.m. and other times by appointment. The college also plans to hold a family night in conjunction with the exhibit on Saturday, April 26, featuring games for kids and a free hot dog dinner and a movie. 

"Beyond Baseball" is on a 20-city national tour through 2012.  The exhibit comes to Rome following its premiere at the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory in Kentucky. 

 “This bilingual exhibit celebrates the life of one of baseball’s first Hispanic stars – both on and off the field – and offers an interesting insight into the Hispanic culture and its impact on Clemente’s life and personal goals,” said John Spranza, GHC’s director of student life and host of Beyond Baseball.

The display was developed by the Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico with the Carimar Design and Research Studio, and organized for travel by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service.  It is complemented by a downloadable English and Spanish podcast and an interactive Web site, www.robertoclemente.si.edu, with a virtual exhibition, children’s activities, lesson plans, biographical highlights and historic photographs.  The exhibition is made possible by the support of the Smithsonian Latino Center.

Throughout his 18 years with the Pittsburgh Pirates, Clemente earned 12 consecutive Gold Glove awards, won four batting crowns and amassed 3,000 hits.  He was an integral part of the Pirates’ World Series victories in 1960 and 1971.  Clemente’s precise and powerful throwing arm earned him acclaim as the greatest right fielder of all time by broadcaster Tim McCarver.  He also was honored as the National League MVP in 1966 and elected to the Hall of Fame posthumously – the first Latino American to be inducted.

While Clemente rose to stardom with his accomplishments on the field, he never forgot his heritage and the prejudice he had faced.  He fought for the recognition of his fellow Latino baseball players, helped people in need across the United State and Central America and held free baseball clinics for children in his homeland.  His charitable work led to the creation of Sports City, an athletic complex in his hometown of Carolina, Puerto Rico, designed to help disadvantaged youth develop athletic skills and prevent illegal drug use. 

Clemente was killed at age 38 in a plane crash.  He was flying relief supplies to Nicaraguan earthquake victims.  In memory of him, the Roberto Clemente Man of the Year Award was established to recognize baseball players who combine outstanding skills on the field with devoted work in the community.