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(9/2) West Virginia shuts out Rome Braves, 3-0. Box

-Power game release: The West Virginia Power shutout the Rome Braves 3-0 at Appalachian Power Park on Thursday night.  Phillip Irwin and Zach Foster held the Braves scoreless on three hits to complete West Virginia’s seventh shutout of the season.

The Power took a 2-0 lead in the second inning against Braves starter Dan Jurik.  Andy Vasquez reached on a fielder’s choice, stole second, and scored on a base hit by Rogelio Noris.  Noris advanced two third on an errant Jurik pickoff attempt and scored on a double by Jairo Marquez.  Rome committed three errors in the inning and both runs were unearned.

Irwin settled in, allowing only a single in the third and two base hits in the fourth.  The right-hander struck out eight batters over seven innings.  Irwin and Foster combined to retire 15 consecutive batters between the fourth and ninth innings.

The final West Virginia run was tallied in the fifth on Marquez’s second home run of the season, a solo shot over the left field wall off of Jurik.

Irwin (6-3) notched the win, while Jurik (1-1) took the loss.  Foster’s two inning effort garnered his team-best sixth save of the year.  Irwin and Foster allowed a total of three baserunners in the game, including the Braves lone walk in the ninth.  Marquez had the only multi-hit and multi-RBI game from either club in a contest that concluded in two hours and four minutes; the shortest Power game of the season.  West Virginia claimed three out of four from Rome in this series, and the Power also took the season set 5-3.

(9/1) West Virginia again pounds Rome, 12-4, in day game. Scoreboard

-Power game release: The West Virginia Power beat the Rome Braves 12-4 Wednesday afternoon at Appalachian Power Park.  The Power scored in every inning but the first and used three home runs guarantee the victory.

Rome took a 1-0 lead in the top of the second on a home run by Chris Curley, but West Virginia countered with two in the bottom of the inning.  Jose Hernandez doubled in a run and later scored on a base hit by Rogelio Noris for a 2-1 Power lead. 

Elevys Gonzalez led off the third with his fourth home run of the season.  Bengie Gonzalez hit his first home run in the fifth; a two-run shot against Braves starter Chris Masters.  After Rome pleated three in the top of the fifth to cut the West Virginia lead down to one, the Power countered with two in the home half of the inning on a Hernandez single and a sacrifice fly by Ramon Cabrera to hold a 7-4 advantage after five.

In the sixth, Bengie Gonzalez scored on a Jarek Cunningham triple.  Two batters later, the lead was six after a double that brought home two by Aaron Baker.  West Virginia added a run in the seventh on Andy Vasquez’s first South Atlantic League home run, and tacked on one more in the eighth on a Hernandez sac fly.

Brett Lorin (2-3) pitched five innings, allowing four runs on six hits for the win.  Maurice Bankston and Jhonathan Ramos pitched shutout ball over the final four innings.  Chris Masters (3-10) surrendered the first seven runs in the loss for Rome.

Seven Power players had base hits, paced by three from Cunningham and Noris, while eight different men drove in at least one run, lead by Hernandez’s three.  Kyle Rose had three hits for the Braves in the loss.  The Power victory clinched at least a split of this series and the eight-game season set.       

This four-game set between West Virginia and Rome will conclude on Thursday night at 7:05 before Hagerstown comes in for the final series of the season.

-Braves announce roster moves: The Rome Braves have added infielder Barrett Kleinknecht to the roster.  He joins the team from Danville.  Kleinknecht was the Atlanta Braves 10th round selection in this year’s draft and played college baseball at Francis Marion University. 

-The Rome Braves have promoted infielder Chris Curley to Myrtle Beach of the Carolina League.  Curley was hitting .214 with 3 HR and 23 RBI.  

(8/31) Rome Braves bounce back, beat W. Virginia Power, 3-1. Scoreboard

-Power media release:  The West Virginia Power fell 3-1 to the Rome Braves Tuesday night at Appalachian Power Park.  Edward Salcedo hit a home run in the second to give the Braves all their offense and even the series.

After a scoreless first, Rome put two on with a single and an error.  Salcedo hit a 1-1 pitch from West Virginia starter Eliecer Navarro over the left field wall for a 3-0 Rome lead.  Navarro would settle in after that at bat, retiring the next 14 in a row to end his outing.  Marc Baca pitched a perfect seventh as Power pitchers retired 17 straight before Salcedo reached on a bunt single in the eighth, the third and final Braves hit of the night. 

West Virginia’s lone run scored in the fifth.  Andy Vasquez singled and advanced to third on a base hit to left by Bengie Gonzalez.  Left fielder Bobby Rauh’s throw to second was errant, allowing Vasquez to score easily from third.  The Power would amass six hits in the game and put the tying run on base or at the plate several times, but finished 0-6 with runners in scoring position in the loss.

Navarro (1-2) took the defeat despite pitching his first quality start of the season, while reliever Aaron Northcraft (1-2) gained the win with five innings of work.  David Hale pitched the final three innings for his fifth save.

West Virginia and Rome play at 11:05 am on Wednesday at Appalachian Power Park.  Brett Lorin will get the ball for the Power against Braves southpaw Chris Masters.  This four game set will conclude on Thursday night at 7:05 before Hagerstown comes in for the final series of the season.

-Roster moves: The Rome Braves have promoted infielder Phil Gosselin to Myrtle Beach of the Carolina League. Gosselin was hitting .294 with 24 RBI since joining the team on June 29.

(8/30) West Virginia slams Rome Braves, 10-4. Scoreboard.

-Power media release: The West Virginia Power beat the Rome Braves 10-4 on Monday night at Appalachian Power Park.  Eight different players reached on base hits and six different men scored as the Power opened their final homestand of the 2010 season with a victory.

The Power held a 1-0 lead after one inning when Andy Vasquez scored on a sacrifice fly from Jose Hernandez.  The Braves tied the game in the third, but West Virginia regained the edge when Jesus Brito crossed on an Elevys Gonzalez sac fly. 

Rome plated three runs in the top of the fifth inning to build a 4-2 lead.  Bobby Rauh walked, Kyle Rose singled, and Phil Gosselin drove in one with a double.  Rose later scored on a ground out, while Gosselin touched home when Robert Hefflinger reached on a two-out single.

West Virginia cut the deficit to one with an Andy Vasquez single in the bottom of the fifth, then took the lead for good with a three-run sixth inning.  Aaron Baker tied the game at four when scoring on a Ramon Cabrera groundout.  Rgelio Noris followed with a single to drive in the eventual winning run in the form of David Rubinstein.  Bengie Gonzalez added a run scoring single to give the Power a 6-4 lead after six.

In the home half of the seventh, West Virginia tallied four runs on four hits and three walks to cap the scoring at 10-6.  Cabrera plated two with a single for the key hit of the inning.

Ryan Kelly (2-3) gained the win with three scoreless innings in relief of Power starter Jason Erickson, while Braves starting pitcher Ryan Weber (2-5) took the loss after surrendering six runs on 10 hits over five and a third.  West Virginia got multi-hit games from Vasquez, Baker, Noris, Brito, and Bengie Gonzalez as the compiled their ten runs on 14 hits.  Vasquez had his first three hit game as a member of the Power.  Gosselin and Jace Whitmer had two hits each for the Braves.   

West Virginia and Rome continue this series on Tuesday night at Appalachian Power Park.  Eliecer Navarro is slated to start for the Power against Arodys Vizcaino at 7:05 pm

-Braves announce roster moves: The Rome Braves have placed first baseman Riaan Spanjer-Furstenburg on the disabled list.  The team received RHP Arodys Vizcaino from Myrtle Beach of the Carolina League. 

-The Rome Braves have added catcher Ryan Query to the team.  Query comes to Rome from the Gulf Coast League Braves and played college baseball at Catawba College.  He was signed by the Atlanta Braves as a free agent this year.

(8/28) Braves close home season with 4-0 win over Greensboro. Box score

Ending the home stand with a bang: Nearly 4,900 fans packed State Mutual Stadium Saturday night for the home season finale of the Rome Braves' season. They left happy: A 4-0 shutout of the Greensboro Grasshoppers. The night included the colors presented by the Knights of Columbus (below); the National  Anthem performed by Scott Thompson (enjoying the game with is bride after doing the honors) Emergency Preparedness Night displays and information by Floyd EMA; and post-game fireworks. All photos by Mills Fitzner of Rome. See his 20-picture final night photo package by clicking click Gallery.

-Braves' media release: The Rome Braves shut out the Greensboro Grasshoppers 4-0 Saturday night in front of 4,899 fans at State Mutual Stadium in the Braves’ final home game.

Rome jumped out to an early 1-0 lead in the third inning when Kyle Rose doubled and scored on a Joey Terdoslavich RBI base hit. They added a run in the fourth for the 2-0 score. Christian Bethancourt led off with a single then stole second. After Todd Cunningham was hit by a pitch to put runners on first and second, Edward Salcedo grounded into a force out to advance Bethancourt with Cunningham out at second on the play.

The Braves scored insurance runs in the fifth and sixth innings to extend their lead. Phil Gosselin scored in the fifth after the Braves loaded the bases followed by a Bethancourt sacrifice fly to plate the run. Another run was added in the sixth inning when Salcedo walked followed by a Curley hit by pitch and a walk to Jake Hanson to load the bases. A Rose sacrifice fly would plate Salcedo for the 4-0 score. That was more than Rome would need as they shut out the Grasshoppers for the win.

Willie Kempf (4-2) picks up the win for the Braves and the Grasshoppers pitcher Erick Carrillo (6-7) takes the loss. The Braves travel to West Virginia for four games before ending the season at Lexington.

(8/27) Rome Braves win penultimate home game in 2010 vs. Grasshoppers, 9-3. Scoreboard

-Braves' media release: A six run fifth inning propelled the Braves as they defeated the Greensboro Grasshoppers 9-3 Friday night in front of 2,986 fans at State Mutual Stadium.

Greensboro took the early 1-0 lead in the fourth inning when Kyle Skipworth walked and later scored on a Chad Cregar RBI double.

Grasshopper’s starter, Edgar Olmos, held the Braves to two hits over the first four innings until Rome’s bats came alive with a six run fifth to take the 6-1 lead. Christian Bethancourt led off with a single, stole second base, and advanced to third on a Todd Cunningham sacrifice bunt. Chris Curley doubled to plate Bethancourt to tie the game. Curley advanced to third on a Jace Whitmer single and later scored on a Bobby Rauh sacrifice bunt. Kyle Rose was hit by a pitch to load the bases then a walk to Phil Gosselin plated Whitmer. After a pitching change, Hefflinger hit a two RBI base hit to score Rauh and Rose. A Bethancourt walk loaded the bases again followed by a Cunningham walk to score Gosselin for the sixth run.

The Braves added three insurance runs in the seventh highlighted by a two RBI double by Joey Terdoslavich. Greenville put two runs on the scoreboard in the ninth but Rome held on for the 9-3 victory.

Dan Jurik (1-0) earns his first win of the season for Rome while Greensboro’s Edgar Olmos (3-8) picks up the loss. Rome and Greensboro meet again tomorrow night at 7pm for the final home game of the season. For ticket information, contact the Rome Braves at 706-378-5144 or log onto www.romebraves.com.

-Tonight's K-Photo: That's Emma, an absolute regular at Rome Braves' games. Photo courtesy of Ernie 'The K-Man' Studard.

(8/26) Greensboro pounds Rome Braves 9-5. Final home games tonight, Saturday night. Scoreboard

-Braves' game summary: The Rome Braves fell to the Greensboro Grasshoppers 9-5 before 2,066 fans at State Mutual Stadium Thursday night. Pitching dominated the early part of the game as both teams were held scoreless until the sixth inning.

Greensboro took the lead in the sixth with a big six run inning. The inning was highlighted by a three run homerun from Kyle Jensen (17) and a two RBI single by Jose Duarte. Rome answered with two runs in the bottom of the inning when Bobby Rauh singled and scored on a Todd Cunningham RBI double. Cunningham would later steal third and score on a throwing error by catcher Kyle Skipworth for the 6-2 score.

The Grasshoppers added three insurance runs in the seventh inning on four straight hits to extend their lead to 9-2.The Braves were able to cut the lead to 9-5 in the bottom of the seventh when Riaan Spanjer-Furstenburg and Edward Salcedo led off the inning with singles and scored on a Chris Curley triple. Curley would later score on an RBI single from Kyle Rose for the third run of the inning but Greensboro’s pitching held as the Grasshoppers defeated the Braves 9-5.

Matthew Mongomery (11-11) earns the win for Greensboro while Rome’s Chris Masters (3-9) picks up his fourth straight loss. Rome and Greensboro meet again tomorrow night at 7pm. For ticket information, contact the Rome Braves at 706-378-5144 or log onto www.romebraves.com.

-Braves make roster move: The Rome Braves have placed catcher Chris Anderson on the Temporary Inactive List and have recalled catcher Jace Whitmer from Danville.

(8/25) Greensboro takes opening game of final home stand of 2010 season, beats Rome, 6-3. Box score

-Braves' game summary: The Greensboro Grasshoppers defeated the Rome Braves 6-3 Wednesday night in front of 2,074 fans at State Mutual Stadium.

The Grasshoppers scored the first run of the game in the first inning. Jose Duarte led off with a walk, stole second and advanced to third on a throwing error by catcher Chris Anderson. A groundout from Chad Cregar would plate Duarte for the 1-0 lead. Rome tied the game in the bottom of the inning when Kyle Rose singled, stole second and scored on a RBI double from Joey Terdoslavich.

In the second inning, Greensboro took the lead at 2-1. Jose Torres hit a bunt single and moved to third on a throwing error by Edward Salcedo on a groundball force out from Taylor Krick. Torres would score on a ground out from Michael Pasek. The Grasshoppers tacked on two more runs in the third on a two RBI single from Pasek for the 4-1 lead.

The Braves scored a run in the third inning when Rose walked, advanced to third on a stolen base and throwing error by Kyle Skipworth, and scored on a Phil Gosselin groundout. Rome made it 4-3 in the fifth after Rose walked, advanced to second on a single by Gosselin, and scored on a Terdoslavich RBI single. Kyle Rose scored all three runs for the Braves.

In the sixth inning the Grasshoppers added two insurance runs on RBI singles from Skipworth and Krick as the Braves fell 6-3.

Chad James (5-9) picks up the win for the Grasshoppers while Aaron Northcraft (0-2) got the loss for Rome. Sandy Rosario (2) gets the save. Rome and Greensboro meet again tomorrow night at 7pm. For ticket information, contact the Rome Braves at 706-378-5144 or log onto www.romebraves.com.

(8/24) 12th inning rally gives W. Virginia win over Rome, 5-2. Scoreboard

-Braves' game release: The West Virginia Power came away with a series split after outlasting the Rome Braves with a 5-2 twelve inning victory Tuesday night before 2,072 fans.

The game sailed along until the third inning when West Virginia posted their first run of the night. Andy Vasquez singled and moved to second on a Benji Gonzalez sacrifice bunt and fielding error by Christian Bethancourt to put runners on first and second. A sacrifice bunt from Elevys Gonzalez advanced both runners. Vasquez would score on the throw to first after a dropped ball on a third strike. The Braves tied the game at 1-1 in the fifth when Riaan Spanjer-Furstenburg doubled and scored on a Chris Curley triple.

The Power regained the lead in the sixth when David Rubinstein doubled, advanced to third on a Rogelios Noris fly ball and crossed the plate on a wild pitch by Tyler Stovall for the 2-1 lead. Rome led off the ninth inning with singles from Joey Terdoslavich and Bethancourt. Spanjer-Furstenburg was hit by a pitch to load the bases. A double play ground out from Edward Salcedo would score Terdoslavich to tie the game sending it to extra innings tied at 2-2. West Virginia took the lead for good in the twelfth with a three run inning highlighted by a two run homerun from Jarek Cunningham (12).

Maurice Bankston picks up the win (7-4) for the Power while Wilton Estevez (1-2) was the losing pitcher for Rome. Gabriel Alvarado (5) gets the save. Rome takes on Greensboro starting tomorrow night at 7pm.. For ticket information, contact the Rome Braves at 706-378-5144 or log onto www.romebraves.com.

-Latest roster move: The Rome Braves announce today, August 24, 2010, INF Matt Weaver has been being placed on the disabled list with right wrist tendonitis.  He last played in a game on Aug. 22 and is expected to miss the remainder of the season.

(8/23) Rome takes second straight vs. West Virginia, 2-1. Scoreboard.

Right fielder Bobby Rauh (10) heads for home in a key slide in Monday's 2-1 win over the West Virginia Power. That's catcher Ramon Cabera in the air. Photo by Mills Fitzner. For more, click Gallery.

-Braves' game release: Rome Braves defeated the West Virginia Power 2-1 for the second straight game on Monday night in front of 1,853 fans. The Power was held score less until the ninth inning by Braves pitchers Steven Kent and Willie Kempf.

Rome took a 1-0 lead in the second inning when Christian Bethancourt led off with a double, stole second then scored on an RBI single from Edward Salcedo. Neither team would score again until the eighth when the Braves added an insurance run for the 2-0 lead. Bobby Rauh doubled then advanced to third on a sacrifice bunt by Chris Curley. Todd Cunningham grounded to second but an error by Elevys Gonzalez would allow Rauh to cross the plate.

The Power managed a run in the ninth to cut the lead to 2-1. Ramon Cabrera single d then advanced to second on a wild pitch by Willie Kempf. A groundout to second base would move Cabrera to third where he would later score on another wild pitch. Rome pitching would shut down the Power from then on to hold on for the 2-1 win.

Willie Kempf (3-2) picks up the win for the Braves while West Virginia’s Quinton Miller (3-4) gets the loss. Rome and West Virginia conclude their series tomorrow night. For ticket information, contact the Rome Braves at 706-378-5144 or log onto www.romebraves.com.

(8/22) Braves come back in the 9th to win over W. Virginia, 6-5. Scoreboard

(Braves' Release) After losing the lead in the top of the ninth, the Rome Braves scored twice in the bottom half to take a 6-5 win over the West Virginia Power Sunday afternoon at State Mutual Stadium.

Rome took a 1-0 lead in the second inning. Back-to-back singles from Robert Hefflinger and Christian Bethancourt to lead off the inning put runners on first and second. A wild pitch from Phillip Irwin advanced both runners and a groundout from Edward Salcedo to plated Hefflinger.

The Power put two runs on the scoreboard in the fourth to take the 2-1 lead. David Rubinstein (2) hit a solo homerun to lead off the inning; then with one out, Aaron Baker doubled followed by a Ramon Cabrera RBI single to plate Baker. The Braves regained the lead in the bottom half of the inning. Joey Terdoslavich singled then scored on a Hefflinger RBI double. Then with two outs, Salcedo singled to right to plate Hefflinger.

West Virginia tied the game at 3-3 in the sixth inning . After two outs, Jose Hernandez doubled and later came around to score when Baker reached on a fielding error by Matt Weaver. The Braves added a run in the seventh for the 4-3 score when Jake Hanson doubled, moved to third on a sacrifice bunt from Bobby Rauh and scored on a Kyle Rose sacrifice bunt.

The Power scored two in the top of the ninth to take the 5-4 lead off reliever David Hale. They tied the game on an RBI triple from Rogelios Noris and took the lead on a suicide squeeze from Jesus Brito to score Noris for the 5-4 lead. In the bottom of the ninth, Hanson walked and stole second. With two outs, Todd Cunningham singled to plate Hanson. Matt Weaver followed with a single to move Cunningham to third. Terdoslavich then singled to center field to plate Cunningham for the 6-5 walk off win.

David Hale (5-8) picks up the victory for the Braves while West Virginia’s Ryan Kelly (1-3) gets the loss. Rome and West Virginia meet again tomorrow night for game three of the series. For ticket information, contact the Rome Braves at 706-378-5144 or log onto www.romebraves.com.

(8/21) Braves lose Game 1 at home against West Virginia, 4-3. Scoreboard

(Braves' release) The West Virginia Power defeated the Rome Braves 4-3 Saturday night in front of 3,494 fans at State Mutual Stadium. This was the first meeting between the Braves and Power this season.

The Power lit up the scoreboard first with two runs in the first inning. Elevys Gonzalez led off the game with a bunt single and advanced to second on a balk by Rome’s starter, Chris Masters. A walk to Jose Hernandez followed by a wild pitch would put runners on second and third. After Aaron Baker walked to load the bases, David Rubinstein hit a two RBI double to take the 2-0 lead.

Rome cut the lead to 2-1 in the second when Robert Hefflinger doubled, moved to third on a single from Riaan Spanjer-Fursteburg and scored on an RBI base hit by Todd Cunningham. West Virginia answered with two runs of their own in the third inning for the 4-1 lead. Hernandez doubled then Baker (18) followed with a two run home run.

The Braves’ offense rallied in the fifth for the 4-3 score. Osman Marval doubled to lead off the inning followed by a Chris Anderson sacrifice bunt and throwing error from Brett Lorin to plate Marval for the first run. Anderson would move to second on the error. After a Kyle Rose bunt single moved him to third, Anderson stole home while Rose was caught in a rundown between first and second. Unfortunately Rome was held scoreless the rest of the night as West Virginia held on for the 4-3 win.

Zach Foster (5-3) picks up the victory for the Power while Rome’s Chris Masters (3-8) is the tough luck loser. Gabriel Alvarado (4) earns the save. Rome and West Virginia meet again tomorrow afternoon for game two of the series. For ticket information, contact the Rome Braves at 706-378-5144 or log onto www.romebraves.com.

That's Evan from Atlanta, above right, Saturday's K-Kid, courtesy of Ernie 'The K-Man' Studard.

(8/20) Braves shutdown by Charleston, lose 11-0. Scoreboard

(8/19) Braves earn second consecutive shutout win over Charleston, 4-0. Box

(8/18) SNAP! Rome Braves end losing skid, beat Charleston, 2-0. Scoreboard

(8/17) Make that eight straight losses for Rome Braves; Riverdogs win, 4-0. Summary.

(8/16) Augusta wins 8-7, completes five-game sweep of Rome. It also marked the seventh straight loss by the Braves. Scoreboard

-Braves' game summary: The Augusta GreenJackets held on to defeat the rallying Rome Braves 8-7 in front of 1,951 fans Monday night at State Mutual Stadium. The Braves fall to 21-29 in the second half.

The Braves took the early 1-0 lead in the first inning when Joe Leonard doubled and scored on a Riaan Spanjer-Furstenburg RBI single. The GreenJackets tied the game in the fourth when Chris Dominquez led off the inning with a double and later scored on a RBI base hit from Luke Anders.

Augusta would take the 2-1 lead in the fifth inning. Ryan Lollis reached base on a fielding error by Phil Gosselin. He took second on a groundout by Ydwin Villegas and advanced to third on a Nick Liles single. Lollis would later score on a Skyler Stromsmoe sacrifice fly. The GreenJackets' bats exploded with five runs in the seventh for the 7-1 lead highlighted by a two RBI double from Hector Sanchez.

The Braves added three of their own in the bottom of the inning on a two RBI double from Matt Weaver who later scored on a RBI Base hit by Leonard to close to 7-4. Rome scored three more in the eighth to tie the game at 7-7 led by a two RBI single from Weaver.

Augusta would score the go ahead run in the ninth inning when Ryan Cavan walked then scored on a RBI double by Tommy Joseph. The GreenJackets pitching held as the Braves fell 8-7.

Jose Casilla (4-1) picks up the win while Kyle Mertins (0-2) gets the loss. Jose Valdez (1) picks up the save.

(8/16) 2011 Rome Braves' schedule released: The Braves begin the season on April 7 at State Mutual Stadium against the Hagerstown Sun (affiliate of the Washington Nationals) and conclude the regular season on the road at Augusta (San Francisco Giants affiliate) on Sept. 5, 2011. The schedule features six 1 p.m. games (4/13, 4/27, 5/30, 6/29, 8/3, 8/24); three 10:30 a.m. games (5/2, 5/3, 5/16) and one 5 p.m. game (5/29).  2011 marks the ninth season of Rome Braves baseball in Northwest Georgia. Click

(8/15) Augusta takes fourth straight from Rome Braves, 4-2. Finale Monday night at State Mutual. Scoreboard

-Braves' game summary: The Augusta GreenJackets defeated the Rome Braves 4-2 in front of 1,938 fans on a hot muggy afternoon at State Mutual Stadium. The loss was Rome’s sixth in a row.

The GreenJackets scored the game’s first run in the third inning. Eliezer Zambrano doubled and later scored on a single by Nick Liles. Augusta added three more runs in the sixth. Skyler Stromsmoe reached on a bunt single, stole second, and scored on a single by Chris Dominguez. Tommy Joseph later plated Dominguez on an RBI single for the 3-0 score. Joseph would later cross the plate on a wild pitch by Chris Masters increasing the lead to 4-0.

Rome put a run on the scoreboard in the bottom of the sixth on an RBI single by Joe Leonard making the score 4-1. Robert Hellflinger added a solo home run in the ninth but that’s as close as the Braves would get. Augusta pitching shut Rome down the rest of the way for the 4-2 final.

Kelvin Marte (1-0) picks up the win while Chris Masters (3-7) gets the loss. Hector Correa (1) picks up the save. The Braves and GreenJackets conclude their series Monday at 7 p.m. For ticket information, contact the Rome Braves at 706-378-5144 or log onto www.romebraves.com.

-Roster move: The Rome Braves have activated OF / INF Robert Hefflinger from the disabled list effective today.  (Hefflinger hit a home run in Sunday's game).

(8/14) Augusta holds off another late Rome rally, 6-5. Scoreboard.

-Braves' game summary: The Augusta GreenJackets defeated the Rome Braves 6-5 in front of 3,406 fans Saturday night at State Mutual Stadium.

The GreenJackets scored first in the fourth inning with two runs on four straight hits highlighted by a Luke Anders RBI double for the 2-0 lead. The Braves cut the lead in half with a run in the bottom of the fourth when Riaan Spanjer-Furstenburg doubled then crossed home plate when Chris Curley reached on a fielding error by Ryan Lollis. In the fifth the Braves tied the game at 2-2 when Bobby Rauh doubled and later scored on a Matt Weaver RBI double.

Rome added two runs in the sixth to take the lead at 4-2. Spanjer-Furstenburg led off the inning with a walk and reached third base on a Curley single. After one out, Edward Salcedo drew a walk but Spanjer-Furstenburg was thrown out attempting to steal home. Jake Hanson would follow with a double to plate Curley and Salcedo.

The Braves held the lead until the eighth when Augusta exploded with four runs in the inning to take the 6-4 lead highlighted by a two run inside-the-park homerun from Ryan Cavan (13). Rome managed a run in the ninth when Rauh singled then scored on a Phil Gosselin double but the GreenJackets pitching held as Rome fell 6-5.

Jose Valdez (4-2) picks up the win for Augusta while Kyle Mertins (0-1) of Rome gets the loss. Jose Casilla (11) picks up the save. The Braves and GreenJackets continue their series tomorrow afternoon at 2pm. For ticket information, contact the Rome Braves at 706-378-5144 or log onto www.romebraves.com.

-Photo: While the night belonged to Birdzerk!, Harry Canary of the Zooperstars made a guest appearance to sing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" at the seventh inning stretch. Ho-ly Cow!

(8/13) Augusta scores early, holds off Rome rally, 7-4. Scoreboard

-Braves' game summary: The Augusta GreenJackets defeated the Rome Braves 7-4 in front of 3,023 fans at State Mutual Stadium. The Braves have dropped four straight games.

The GreenJackets got on the scoreboard with two runs in the first inning to take the lead. Nick Liles led off the inning with a single and with one out Chris Dominguez (18) hit a two run homerun. Augusta would add a run in the third to extend their lead to 3-0 when Ryan Lollis singled, advanced to third on an Ydwin Villegas double, and scored on a Liles sacrifice fly. The GreenJackets tacked on four more runs in the fourth inning to put the score at 7-0 highlighted by a two run single by Dominguez.

The Braves put their first run on the scoreboard in the seventh inning. Chris Anderson reached on a throwing error by Dominguez and advanced to third on a Chris Curley single. After Jake Hanson walked to load the bases, Bobby Rauh hit a sacrifice fly to plate Anderson for the 7-1 score.

Chris Curley was hit by a pitch to lead off the ninth for Rome and advanced to second when Edward Salcedo reached on a fielding error by Ryan Cavan. With two outs and a 3-2 count, Phil Gosselin (2) hit a three run homerun to left for the 7-4 score. That’s all Rome would get as Augusta pitching shutdown the rally.

Zack Wheeler (2-3) earns the win for the GreenJackets while Brett DeVall (7-9) of Rome gets the loss. Chris Wilson picks up his second save. The Braves and GreenJackets continue their series tomorrow night at 7pm. For ticket information, contact the Rome Braves at 706-378-5144 or log onto www.romebraves.com.

(8/12) Augusta hangs on, beats Rome, 5-3. Scoreboard

MARVAL-OUS: Pinch hitter/third baseman Osman 'Captain' Marval gets a quick jump on the ball during Thursday's Rome Braves-Augusta Greenjackets' game. Photo by Mills Fitzner. For more, click Gallery.

Braves' game release: The Rome Braves fell to the Augusta GreenJackets 5-3 in front of 2,045 fans at State Mutual Stadium Thursday night to drop the first game of the series.

The first run of the game didn’t come until the top of the fifth inning when Augusta scored three runs to take the lead after leading off the inning with four straight singles. The GreenJackets would add a run in the sixth when Hector Sanchez walked, moved to third on a Ryan Lollis single, and scored on a Skyler Stromsmoe sacrifice bunt.

The Braves scored their first run in the bottom of the seventh inning when Riaan Spanjer-Furstenburg reached base and advanced to second on a throwing error by Chris Dominguez. A wild pitch would move Spanjer-Furstenburg to third where he would score on a Matt Weaver RBI double for the 4-1 score.

Augusta extended their lead to 5-1 in the top of the eighth. Singles from Luke Anders and Sanchez put runners on first and second. A sacrifice bunt by Lollis would advance both runners, then Anders would score on a wild pitch by Wilton Estevez.

Rome led off the ninth with singles from Phil Gosselin and Todd Cunningham. Gosselin would score on an attempted double play but Cunningham would cut down at second on the groundball hit by Osman Marval. With two outs, Christian Bethancourt walked to bring the tying run to the plate. Weaver followed with a double to plate Marval and put runners on second and third. The game would end with a foul ball pop up from Edward Salcedo for the 5-3 final.

Chris Heston (4-11) earns the win for the GreenJackets while Jeff Lorick (3-6) of Rome gets the loss. Jose Casilla picks up his tenth save of the season.

The Braves and GreenJackets continue their series Friday at 7pm. For ticket information, contact the Rome Braves at 706-378-5144 or romebraves.com.

That's Sam from Rome, above right, Thursday's K-Kid, courtesy of Ernie 'The K-Man' Studard.

The Band of Oz performs at State Mutual Stadium prior to Thursday's game. Photo by Ernie 'The K-man' Studard.

(8/10) Greenville takes finale over Rome, 4-1. Scoreboard.

-Greenville game release: Manuel Rivera (4-9) pitched six efficient and effective innings as the Drive (63-51, 27-17) defeated the Rome Braves (51-63, 21-24) by a final score of 4-1 Tuesday night at Fluor Field.

The Drive ended up winning four of the five games in the series against Rome, thus finishing their season-long nine-game home-stand with a bang.

Rivera needed just 72 pitches to mow down the Braves over six innings of work.  He yielded just four hits, and one run while striking out eight.  It was Rivera’s first win since July 18 at Savannah, and only his second win since April 25.

The Drive struck early, doing all of their scoring in the first inning against Rome starter Willie Kempf (1-2), who was otherwise effective.  Derrik Gibson led off the inning with a walk and advanced to third on a double to left by Vladimir Frias.  Jeremy Hazelbaker then drove in both Gibson and Frias with a double down the right-field line, and a fielding error by Rome right-fielder Matt Weaver allowed Hazelbaker to go to third.  Reynaldo Rodriguez then capped off the scoring with a line-drive two-run homer over the Green Monster, giving the Drive a 4-0 lead that they would not relinquish.

The Braves were able to scratch across a run in the top of the fifth on the strength of Matt Weaver’s RBI-double that plated Christian Bethancourt, who had led off the frame with a single to left.  Nevertheless, Rivera was able to avert further trouble, as he struck out three consecutive Rome hitters with two runners on.

Jeremiah Bayer came on to pitch the final three innings for Greenville, giving up just two hits and no runs while striking out five. 

(8/9) Greenville takes third of four games vs. Rome, 4-2. Finale tonight. Scoreboard

-Greenville game release: Tom Ebert (9-3) pitched 5.1 innings of tremendous relief to lead the Drive (62-51, 26-17) to a 4-2 victory over the Rome Braves (51-62, 21-23) Monday night at Fluor Field.  Greenville has now taken three of the first four games of this five-game set against Rome.

Ebert did not give up any runs and allowed just one hit and two walks while fanning seven.  He finished the game after coming on in relief of starter Drake Britton, who gave up two runs (both unearned) in 3.2 innings.  Britton, who finished with a total of 68 pitches thrown, was again on a low pitch count as he has been for essentially the entire season.

Although the Drive would ultimately prevail, the Braves actually opened the scoring with a two-spot in the top of the third.  Phil Gosselin continued his strong series with a one-out RBI-double against Britton, and later in the inning, Todd Cunningham picked up an infield single and advanced to second on a throwing error by Britton, which also allowed Gosselin to score and give Rome a 2-0 lead.

The Drive, however, kept up their penchant for quick answers by scoring three to take the lead for good in the bottom of the same inning.  Derrik Gibson singled to lead off the frame, and then stole second base.  He came around to score when Michael Almanzar hit an infield single to third. 

The grounder was deep in the hole at third and a thus a tough play for third baseman Joe Leonard, enabling Gibson to score all the way from second on the play.  Consecutive singles by Vazquez and Reymond Fuentes set up Sean Killeen’s two run single to put the Drive up by a score of 3-2.

That inning was the one rocky one for Rome starter Chris Masters (3-6), but it pinned him with the loss.  Masters pitched a total of five innings while giving up the said three runs, allowing six hits and one walk, and striking out an impressive nine batters.

Greenville would tack on one more run in the bottom of the seventh against reliever David Hale, as Almanzar, who finished the evening 2-for-4, scored on a wild pitch with Fuentes at the plate.  The 4-2 score at that point would hold up to be the final.

The Drive conclude their nine-game home-stand with the series finale against Rome Tuesday night at Fluor Field.  Lefty Manuel Rivera (3-9, 4.14 ERA) will toe the slab for Greenville against Rome right-hander Willie Kempf (1-1, 2.45 ERA).  First pitch is set for 7:05 PM.

Tomorrow is also “Green Day” at the ballpark, celebrating the City of Greenville’s 179th birthday.  In addition to a green t-shirt giveaway for the first 3,000 fans and post-game fireworks, the Drive will honor an individual who has helped make Greenville and the surrounding area into the dynamic and desirable community it has become. 

(8/8) Braves get a win in Greenville, 6-4. Scoreboard

-Greenville game release: Reynaldo Rodriguez made solid contact, and for a fleeting moment it seemed as though the Drive (61-51, 25-17) would at least tie if not win in the ninth against Rome (51-61, 21-22).

However, Greenville’s hopes were snuffed out on a great diving catch by Rome third baseman Joe Leonard.  His catch ended the Drive’s ninth-inning rally and preserved a 6-4 victory for the Braves.

Down 6-4 going into the bottom of the ninth, the Drive loaded the bases, and in so doing, forced the Braves to make two pitching changes.  Wilfred Pichardo led off the inning with a single, and after consecutive strikeouts by Kenneth Roque and Derrik Gibson, Shannon Wilkerson and Jeremy Hazelbaker each drew a walk to load the bags for Rodriguez.

Nevertheless, Greenville could not complete the rally, as Rodriguez’s line drive down the third-base line was snagged by Leonard.  David Francis was the beneficiary of Leonard’s great defensive play, as he picked up his third save of the year after coming in just to face Rodriguez. Starter Ryan Weber (1-0) earned the victory for the Braves.  He pitched six innings and gave up four runs (three earned) on six hits.

The Drive had actually been holding onto a 4-3 lead until the top of the seventh inning, when Rome put up three runs that would prove to be the difference.  The Braves put together a barrage of hits against Drive reliever Pedro Perez (6-4), and Todd Cunningham, Joe Leonard – contributing offensively as well as defensively – and Riaan Spanjer-Furstenburg each picked up an RBI.  In all, Rome had five hits in the inning. 

The scoring prior to that came early, as the two teams went back-and-forth during the first three innings.  The Braves jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first innings as a result of Leonard’s two-run double off Greenville starter Ryan Pressly that scored Gosselin and Cunningham.  Leonard, Gosselin, and Cunningham each had three hits on the evening, and Leonard also racked up three RBI. 

The Drive got one back in the bottom of the frame when Hazelbaker plated Gibson with a sacrifice fly to center.  Gibson, the leadoff man, had reached on an error by Rome shortstop Matt Weaver.  He then stole second and advanced to third on a groundout by Wilkerson before scoring on Hazelbaker’s fly ball.

Trailing 2-1, Greenville then took its first lead in the second inning on a two-run single up the middle by Gibson.  Christian Vazquez and Wilfred Pichardo scored on the play.  The Drive’s 3-2 lead did not last long, however, as Rome knotted the score in the top of the third via Spanjer-Furstenburg’s RBI-single that scored Gosselin from second base.

The Drive had an immediate answer once again in the bottom of the third.  Hazelbaker, leading off the frame, crushed a long home run to center-field.  The solo tater was Hazelbaker’s 10th of the season, and it gave Greenville a 4-3 lead.  The Drive would hold that lead until Rome’s decisive three-run rally in the top of the seventh.

The Drive and Braves will continue this five-game set Monday night at Fluor Field.  Left-hander Drake Britton (1-1, 3.09 ERA) will get the start for the Drive against Rome southpaw Chris Masters (3-5, 3.51 ERA) in the series’ fourth game.  First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 PM

(8/7) Another rough night for the Rome Braves: Drive wins, 12-6. Scoreboard

-Greenville game release: Kenneth Roque went 4-for-4 with two singles and two doubles in his first game back from the disabled list, and starter Pete Ruiz (8-8) pitched a solid six and two-thirds innings as Greenville (61-50, 25-16) defeated the Rome Braves 12-6.

Greenville battered Rome (50-61, 20-22) for 17 hits, matching their total from the night before.  In addition to Roque’s stellar offensive night, Jeremy Hazelbaker added three hits and a walk, including a three-run home run in the third inning.

Bret DeVall (7-8) allowed 13 hits and ten runs in six innings of work for Rome, staying in the game to rest an overused bullpen.

Ruiz scattered seven hits and two runs over his start, striking out four batters.  His two runs allowed came on a home run by Rome shortstop Edward Salcedo in the top of the seventh inning.

Tom Ebert relieved Ruiz and got out of the seventh, but allowed two runs in the eighth, one on an RBI double by Christian Bethancourt and another on an RBI groundout by Todd Cunningham.

Anatanaer Batista pitched the ninth and also gave up two runs.  He retired the final three batters he faced, twice via the strikeout.

Hazelbaker’s home run lit the fuse for Greenville’s offense.  Three batters later with a man on first, Reynaldo Rodriguez hit a two-run home run, his sixth home run of the year.

Vladimir Frias singled in the fourth, and later scored on an RBI single by Roque.  Roque was caught stealing, but Hazelbaker walked, stole second, and later scored on a Shannon Wilkerson single.

Roque and Hazelbaker hit consecutive doubles to lead off the sixth, followed by a single by Zach Gentile.  Rodriguez and Reymond Fuentes drove in runs later in the inning with RBI singles.

Gentile earned his first RBI of the game in the seventh inning, driving in Roque, who doubled earlier in the inning.

Sean Kileen pinch hit for Rodriguez in the eighth, and scored the final run on an RBI groundout.

The same two teams will meet again on Sunday, where Greenville can guarantee a series win with a victory.  Right-hander Ryan Pressly (4-6, 3.83 ERA) will toe the rubber versus southpaw Chris Masters (3-5, 3.51 ERA).  First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 PM at Fluor Field.

-Roster move: The Rome Braves announce that RHP Ryan Weber has joined the team from Danville and infielder Chris Curley has been placed on the Temporary Inactive list.   

(8/6) Greenville Drive pounds Rome Braves, 17-1. Scoreboard

(8/5) Rome hangs on for a 1-0 win, earns sweep vs. Savannah. Scoreboard

Not-so-joyous homecoming for Berry alum: Berry College standout Collin McHugh had a rough homecoming vs. the Rome Braves at State Mutual Stadium. He gave it his best shot, giving up four hits in six innings, including one run. But that's all the Braves needed to complete a four-game sweep of McHugh's SandGnats. Photo by Mills Fitzner/Gallery

-Braves' game report: The Rome Braves defeated the Savannah Sand Gnats 1-0 Thursday night in front of 2,158 fans to sweep the four game series. Braves starter, Willie Kempf, picked up hit first win of the season after pitching six innings and giving up zero runs.

Relievers Wilton Estavez and Steven Kent combined to perserve the shut out victory.  The start of the game was delayed one hour and four minutes due to heavy rain in the area.  

The Braves scored the only run of the night in the fifth inning. Edward Salcedo led off the inning with a base hit then scored when Matt Weaver reached on a bunt single followed by a throwing error from pitcher, Collin McHugh.  

Rome's Kempf picks up the win for Rome while Savannah's starter, McHugh, gets the loss. Steven Kent (1) earns the save. After the game, the Braves travel to Greenville for a five game series before returning to Rome on August 12th.  

-Roster moves: The Rome Braves announce that catcher Jace Whitmer has been moved to the Danville Braves of the Appalachian League.  Rome receives catchers Chris Anderson and Osman Marval from the Myrtle Beach Pelicans.

(8/4) Braves stay hot at home, beat Savannah, 5-3. Third consecutive win for Rome. Scoreboard

Ball control: This one looks safe as the Brave tries to nail the ball before the SandGnat scores. Photo by Mills Fitzner/Gallery

-Braves' game release:  The Rome Braves defeated the Savannah Sand Gnats 5-3 in front of 1,741 fans at State Mutual Stadium Wednesday afternoon to take game three of the four game series. The Braves move to 19-20 in the second half.

Savannah took the 2-0 lead in the second inning when R.J. Harris (3) blasted a two run homerun after James Schroeder reached on a throwing error by Edward Salcedo. Rome tied the game at 2-2 in the third. Matt Weaver led off the inning with a walk followed by bunt singles from Bobby Rauh and Phil Gosselin to load the bases. Todd Cunningham drew a bases loaded walk to plate Weaver. Joe Leonard grounded into a double play but Rauh scored the second run.

The Sand Gnats took back the lead in the fourth inning. Travis Ozga singled, and then with two outs, Schroeder walked to put runners on first and second. Harris followed with an RBI single to plate Ozga. An RBI double by Riaan Spanjer-Furstenburg would tie the game at 3-3 in the fifth after Todd Cunningham reached on a fielder’s choice and was moved over to third on a groundout by Leonard and a wild pitch by Savannah pitcher, John Church.

Rome’s Weaver (2) plated the go ahead runs in the eighth inning on a two run homerun down the left field line after a Salcedo single. The Braves would hold on for the 5-3 victory.

David Hale (4-8) earns the win for the Braves while Guillaume Leduc (1-2) of Savannah gets the loss. The Braves and Sand Gnats conclude their series tomorrow night at 7pm. For ticket information, contact the Rome Braves at 706-378-5144 or log onto www.romebraves.com.

(8/3) Rome Braves take second straight vs. Savannah, 7-4. Scoreboard

Close but not close enough ... : More game highlights from Mills Fitzner. Click Gallery

-Braves' game release: The Rome Braves defeated the Savannah Sand Gnats 7-4 Tuesday night in front o f 2,076 fans at State Mutual Stadium. The Braves now lead the series 2-0.

Rome took an early 3-1 lead in the first inning. Phil Gosselin led off with a walk and moved to second on a wild pitch by Savannah starter Taylor Whitenton. He would move to third when Chris Curley reached first on a failed fielder’s choice, putting runners on first and third. Joe Leonard followed with an RBI single to score Gosselin. Curley would be tagged out at third when Riaan Spanjer-Furstenburg grounded into a force out. Back-to-back RBI singles from Christian Bethancourt and Matt Weaver would plate Leonard and Spanjer-Furstenburg for the 3-0 lead. The Braves added a run in the second when Curley singled then scored when Leonard reached on a throwing error by Travis Ozga.

Savannah put a run on the scoreboard in the third inning when R.J. Harris tripled then scored on an RBI single by Robbie Shields. The Sand Gnats scored again in the fourth after Ozga led off the inning with a doubled then crossed home on a Jet Butler RBI single.

Rome scored twice in the fifth to extend their lead to 6-2. Jake Hanson walked and reached second on a Bobby Rauh single. Gosselin singled to plate Hanson then Curley was hit by a pitch to load the bases. A sacrifice fly from Joe Leonard would score Rauh for the second run.

Savannah answered with two runs in the sixth to make it a 6-4 score. Butler walked then advanced to second on a single by Juan Torres. Nick Santomauro doubled to plate Butler. After Andrew Wilson replaced Rome starter Chris Masters, Torres scored on a sacrifice fly by Alex Gregory. The Braves would score again in the
eighth on doubles from Leonard and Spanjer-Furstenburg. Rome’s pitching would hold the rest of the way securing the 7-4 win.

Chris Masters (3-5) picks up the win for Rome while Taylor Whitenton (5-6) of Savannah gets the loss. David Francis (2) earns the save. The Braves and Sand Gnats meet again Wednesday afternoon at  1p.m. for game three of the four game series. For ticket information, contact the Rome Braves at 706-378-5144 or log onto www.romebraves.com.

(8/2) Braves get a win at home over Savannah, 4-1. Scoreboard

(Braves game release) The Rome Braves defeated the Savannah Sand Gnats 4-1 Monday night in front o f 2,070 fans at State Mutual Stadium. Braves starter, Brett DeVall pitched Rome’s first complete game of the season, going nine innings and giving up one run on six hits with four strike outs. With the win, the Braves move to 17-20 in the second half.

The Braves took the lead with two runs in the first inning to take the early lead. Phil Gosselin led off with a walk followed by a double from Todd Cunningham. Gosselin and Cunningham would score on a Joe Leonard two RBI double for the 2-0 lead.

Rome added two more runs in the third when Leonard singled to lead off the inning. Riaan Spanjer-Furstenburg (2) followed with a two run home run to extend the lead to 4-0.

Savannah would put up a run in the ninth inning after Cesar Puello doubled, moved to third on a groundout by
Travis Ozga then scored on a Jet Butler groundout to spoil the shutout. The Braves held on for the 4-1 victory.

Brett DeVall (7-7) picks up the win for Rome while Darin Gorski (4-6) of Savannah gets the loss.

(8/1) Braves fall again to Asheville, 7-2. Scoreboard