Sports Headlines

Mills Fitzner's Braves' photos | Schedule | Fan club | Berry | Shorter | Arey

(7/30) Braves lose Game 2 in Asheville, 2-1. Scoreboard

(7/29) Rome Braves hang on to win opener in Asheville, 7-6. Scoreboard

(7/28) Rome Braves' roster moves: The Rome Braves have added right-handed pitcher Willie Kempf to their roster from Danville.  Kempf played college baseball at Baylor.  In 2010, he was the team’s ace—going 9-2 overall (in 22 appearances and 12 games started) with a 3.02 ERA. Kempf also struck out 80 batters while garnering one save over 83.1 innings pitched.  He was the Atlanta Braves’ 27th round selection in 2010.

-No Braves' game tonight; open series in Asheville Thursday.

(7/27) Greenville, Braves split doubleheader

-Game 1: 4-0 Greenville over the Braves.

-Game 2: Rome bounces back, wins 8-1. Scoreboard

Incoming! .... : More game highlights from Mills Fitzner. Click Gallery

-Braves' game update: The Braves and Drive split a doubleheader Tuesday night at State Mutual Stadium. Greenville blanked Rome in Game one 4-0 but the Braves bounced back with an 8-1 victory in game two.

In game one, Greenville pushed four unearned runs across the plate in the first inning . Jeremy Hazelbaker reached on a fielding error by pitcher Brett DeVall. Derrik Gibson hit a groundball to shortstop but a throwing error by Edward Salcedo on a force attempt allowed Hazelbaker to reach third with Gibson safe at first. A Chris McGuiness sacrifice fly plated Hazelbaker. Ronald Bermudez reached first and Gibson advanced to second on a throwing error by Joe Leonard on a force attempt at second base. Gibson would score on a Shannon Wilkerson RBI base hit with Bermudez advancing to third on a throwing error by Jake Hanson. With two outs, a wild pitch by DeVall scored Bermudez for the third run, advancing Wilkerson to third base. Sean Killean followed with an RBI single to plate Wilkerson for the 4-0 score. That was all the Drive would need as Greenville pitcher, Pete Ruiz, shutout the Braves. Pete Ruiz (7-7) gets the victory while Brett DeVall (6-7) got the loss.

Rome got on the board with one run in the first inning of game two for the 1-0 lead on a two out RBI single by Jace Whitmer. The Braves added two more runs in the third after two outs highlighted by a two RBI double from Riann Spanjer-Furstenburg for the 3-0 score, Rome increased the lead to 7-0 in the fourth inning thanks to two wild pitches and a fielding error that plated three runs and an RBI single from Whitmer scored the fourth run. Rome added a single run in the sixth and Greenville scored one in the seventh for the 8-1 final. Braves starter Jeff Lorick pitched four innings and gave up just one hit while striking out eight. Reliever Thomas Berryhill (3-1) gets the win going two innings while Kendal Volz (6-4) was the loser.

After a four game series in Asheville beginning Thursday, the Braves return home on Monday August 2nd. For ticket information, contact the Rome Braves at 706-378-5144 or log onto www.romebraves.com.

-Roster update: The Rome Braves have place RHP Caleb Brewer on the disabled list effective today with a right lower leg stress fracture. 

(7/26) Greenville at Braves, postponed; rain. Scoreboard

-Roster moves: The Rome Braves have placed outfielder Kyle Rose on the disabled list and have received outfielder Bobby Rauh from Danville.  Rauh was hitting .321 with two home runs and eight RBI and was the Atlanta Braves 29th Round pick in 2009.  He played college baseball at Florida State and Daytona State College.

(7/25) Greenville pounds Rome Braves, 8-2. Scoreboard.

And you're ...... : More game highlights from Mills Fitzner. Click Gallery

-Braves' media release: The Rome Braves fell 8-2 to the Greenville Drive Sunday afternoon in front of 2,034 fans at State Mutual Stadium. The Braves fall to 14-16 in the second half.

The Drive lit up the scoreboard early with five runs in the first inning. Jeremy Hazelbaker lead off with a single then moved to second when Derrik reached base on a fielding error by Paul Gosselin. Chris McGuiness walked to load the bases and then with Shannon Wilkerson batting, a wild pitch by Carlos Perez plated Hazelbaker and moved up the runners. Wilkerson would reach base on an error by Riaan Spanjer-Furstenburg to again load the bases. With one out, Gibson scored on a Michael Almanzar groundout. Reynaldo Rodriguez reached first after being hit by a pitch followed by a bases clearing three RBI double from Sean Killeen for the 5-0 lead.

Greenville would add a run in the second to extend their lead to 6-0 when Hazelbaker led off with a double then scored on a Gibson RBI base hit.

The Braves got on the scoreboard with two runs in the third after Kyle Rose singled then Gosselin (1) delivered a two-run home run for the 6-2 score. That was all of the offense Rome could muster as Greenville held the Braves to just three more hits in the final six innings. The Drive would add a run in the sixth inning then another in the ninth for the 8-2 victory.

Drake Britton (1-1) gets the win for the Drive while Carlos Perez (0-1) was the losing pitcher for the Braves. Tom Ebert recorded his first save of the season for Greenville.

Rome and Greenville meet again at 7 p.m for game three of the series. For ticket information, contact the Rome Braves at 706-378-5144 or log onto www.romebraves.com.

(7/24) Greenville takes opener, 7-4, vs. Rome Braves. Scoreboard

Not this time, pal: In a game that went pretty much Greenville's way, Braves first baseman Riaan Spanier-Furstenburg takes care of business. More game highlights from Mills Fitzner. Click Gallery

-Braves' game release: The Greenville Drive defeated the Rome Braves 7-4 Saturday night in front of 3,826 fans at State Mutual Stadium.

Greenville put two runs on the scoreboard in the first inning to take the 2-0 lead. Jeremy Hazelbaker was hit by a pitch to lead off the game. Derrik Gibson followed with a single and Christopher McGuiness stroked a two RBI double to plate Hazelbaker and Gibson.

The Drive would add a run in the fourth for the 3-0 score. Reynaldo Rodriguez doubled then moved to third on a Zach Gentile groundout. After Christian Vazquez walked to put runners on first and third, Rodriguez scored on a double steal. They extended their lead to 5-0 in the fifth inning with two runs and in the eighth with two more runs for the 7-0.

The Braves got on the scoreboard with two runs in the bottom of the eighth after Greenville’s starter was replaced by Chris Court. Chris Curley led off with a single followed by a Kyle Rose double to move Curley to third base. With one out, Ramon Flores singled to plate Curley and advance Rose to third. Rose would score on an RBI base hit from Joe Leonard.

With two outs in the ninth, Curley singled followed by walks to Rose and Gosselin to load the bases. Flores followed with a two RBI single to score Curley and Rose but the Drive held on to pick up the 7-4 win.

Ryan Pressly (4-6) gets the win for the Drive while Rome’s Robinson Lopez (3-7) picks up the loss. Dennis Neuman gets the save. Rome and Greenville 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.

-Roster moves: The Rome Braves announce that outfielder Kyle Rose has been activated from the disabled list effective today

(7/23) Braves sweat out another close one, win 6-5 vs. Legends. Scoreboard

Are you ready for some ... baseball? Great photo sequence with the Braves' Christian Bethancourt and Lexington's Jacob Goebbert and more game highlights from Mills Fitzner. Click Gallery

-Braves' game release: Rome Braves defeated the Lexington Legends 6-5 Friday night in front of 3,182 fans at State Mutual Stadium. The Braves and Legends split the four game series at two wins apiece.

The Legends got a run in the first inning to take the 1-0 lead without the benefit of a base hit. Leadoff hitter Jose Altuve reached on a fielding error by Edward Salcedo, stole second base, and advanced to third on a throwing error by Riaan Spanjer-Furstenburg. Altuve would later score on a sacrifice fly from Jacob Goebbert.

The Braves took the 2-1 lead in the bottom of the first when Phil Gosselin led off with a single then scored on a Ramon Flores triple. Joe Leonard followed with a single to plate Flores for the second run. Lexington tied the game in the second when Aaron Bray walked, moved to third on a sacrifice bunt then throwing error by pitcher Chris Masters, and later scored on a Rene Garcia sacrifice fly.

Rome took a 4-2 lead in the bottom of the inning. Chris Curley walked and scored on a Gosselin triple. A Flores safety squeeze would score Gosselin. Lexington would tie the game again in the third on a Kody Hinze RBI base hit then take the lead in the fifth on an Altuve solo homerun (10).

Todd Cunningham was hit by a pitch in the sixth to load the bases following back to back singles from Spanjer-Furstenburg and Christian Bethancourt. Spanjer-Furstenburg scored on a double play groundball hit by Salcedo to tie the game at 5-5.

Rome scored the go ahead run in the eighth when Spanjer-Furstenburg singled to lead off the inning and was replaced by pinch runner Matt Weaver. Weaver moved to second on a walk to Bethancourt and third on a force out hit by Todd Cunningham. With runners at first and third, Salcedo hit a shallow fly ball to center not deep enough to score the run. Cunningham then tried to advance to second on the throw to the plate and Lexington catcher, Garcia, overthrew second base allowing Weaver to score the go ahead run. Rome’s bullpen held on for the 6-5 win.

Thomas Berryhill (2-1) earns the win for the Braves while Lexington’s Colton Pitkin (0-4) picks up the loss. Jeff Lorick (4) gets the save. Rome welcomes Greenville for a four game series starting tomorrow night at 7pm. For ticket information, contact the Rome Braves at 706-378-5144 or log onto www.romebraves.com.

-Roster moves: The Rome Braves announce that RHP Cory Rasmus has been promoted to Myrtle Beach and the team receives LHP Carlos Perez from Danville.  Rasmus was 6-6 with a 3.14 ERA in 20 appearances.  While in Danville, Perez was 2-1 with a 1.13 ERA in six games started.

(7/22) Lexington beats Braves 3-2, leads series, 2-1. Scoreboard.

Rome Braves pitcher Caleb Brewer tries to get Lexington's catcher Rene Garcia during Thursday's 3-2 Braves' loss at State Mutual Stadium. For more of Mills Fitzner's photos of the Brewer-Garcia showdown, click Brewer.

-For more on the game, click Gallery

-Braves media release: The Lexington Legends defeated the Rome Braves 3-2 Thursday night in front of 2,791 fans at State Mutual Stadium. The Braves fall to 13-14 in the second half.

Lexington scored the first run of the game with two outs in the second inning. Rene Garcia doubled and reached third on a Grant Hogue bunt single. After a walk to Jose Altuve to load the bases, pitcher Caleb Brewer threw a wild pitch allowing Garcia to cross home. The Legends extended their lead in the third when Kody Hinze walked then scored on a Jonathan Meyer RBI triple. Renzo Tello plated Meyer with a sacrifice fly for the 3-0 score.

Rome closed the gap with a run in the fourth on a Riaan Spanjer-Furstenburg (1) homerun and another in the fifth inning when Edward Salcedo tripled then scored on a Jake Hanson sacrifice fly, but Lexington’s pitching held for the 3-2 win.

Jose Cisnero (5-5) earns the win for the Legends while Rome’s Caleb Brewer (3-2) picks up the loss. The Braves and Legends conclude the four game series tomorrow night at 7pm. For ticket information, contact the Rome Braves at 706-378-5144 or log onto www.romebraves.com.

(7/21) Rome rebounds, beats Legends, 9-5. Scoreboard

Atlanta Braves outfielder Brent Clevlen is spending a few days with the Rome Braves on a major league rehab assignment. This photo and others, courtesy of Mills Fitzner, show Clevlen's in pretty good shape as it is. Click Clevlen

-Photos from the game. Click

-Photos from the Braves' splash day. Click

-Braves' game release: The Rome Braves defeated the Lexington Legends 9-5, powered by a four RBI performance from Jace Whitmer. The Braves even the series with the Legends at one game apiece.

Lexington took a 1-0 lead in the first inning when Jacob Goebbert was hit by a pitch, moved to second on a stolen base, and scored on Kody Hinze’s RBI double. Rome scored three runs of their own in the bottom of the first to take back the lead. The Braves’ first five batters reached base in the inning including three walks and an RBI sacrifice fly from Jake Hanson.

The Legends chipped away at the lead in the second when Jonathan Meyer reached on a fielding error by Brent Clevlen and moved to second on a base hit from Brian Kemp. An RBI single with two outs by Jose Altuve would plate Meyer for the 3-2 score.

The Braves extended their lead to 4-2 in the third inning when Todd Cunningham singled then scored on a Whitmer RBI base hit. Two more runs were added in the fifth for the 6-2 lead on RBI hits from Edward Salcedo and Whitmer.

Lexington fought back with three runs in the sixth inning to make the score 6-5, but Rome scored again in the bottom half of the inning when Phil Gosselin crossed the plate when Joe Leonard hit into a double play. The Braves would cap off the game with a seventh inning two run homerun by Whitmer (2) after a Salcedo triple for the 9-5 victory.

Brett DeVall (6-6) picks up the win for Rome while Lexington’s Juan Minaya (4-9) gets the loss. The Braves and Legends face off again tomorrow night at 7pm for the third game of the series. For ticket information, contact the Rome Braves at 706-378-5144 or log onto www.romebraves.com

(7/20) Lexington edges Rome, 3-1. Scoreboard

-Braves' game release: The Lexington Legends defeated the Rome Braves 3-1 on Tuesday night in front of 2,443 fans at State Mutual Stadium. Lexington starter, Tanner Bushue, pitched 5.1 perfect innings before a single from Jake Hanson ended the streak. Bushue pitched seven innings, giving up zero runs on three hits with five strikeouts.

Lexington took the early 1-0 lead in the first inning when Jacob Goebbert doubled and later scored on a Chris Curley throwing error. The Legends added another run in the second for the 2-0 score. After Jiovanni Mier walked and reached second on Miguel Arrendell’s single, a Jose Altuve RBI base hit would plate the run. Back to back walks of Mier and Arrendell with two outs followed by an RBI single from Grant Hogue extended the Legends lead to 3-0 in the fourth.

Wander Alvino replaced Lexington’s Bushue in the eighth inning and gave up a lead off home run to Hanson (3). That turned out to be the Braves’ only run as the Legends held on for the 3-1 victory.

Tanner Bushue (5-5) earns the win for Lexington while Rome’s Cory Rasmus (6-6) gets the loss. Kirk Clark picks up the save. The Braves and Legends face off again tomorrow at 1pm for the second game of the series. For ticket information, contact the Rome Braves at 706-378-5144 or log onto www.romebraves.com.

-Roster moves: The Rome Braves have activated RHP Andrew Wilson from the Temporary Inactive list effective today.

(7/18) Hagerstown takes finale over Braves, 7-2. Scoreboard

-Suns' media release: The Hagerstown Suns (10-14, 46-48) conquered the Rome Braves (12-12, 42-51) to end the five game series Sunday evening at Municipal Stadium.

The Suns started the bats right away scoring a run in the first with Jeff Kobernus being drove in by a sacrifice fly by Destin Hood. Kobernus reached earlier with a single to left field.

That was not the end for Hagerstown as they powered through the fifth inning adding five more to their lead. The Suns had excellent base stealing by Eury Perez and Jeff Kobernus that played a key factor in making the score 6-0.

In the fourth, Rome tried to chip away at the lead after Matthew Weaver hit a home run to left field. They only could that solo home run making the score 6-1.

Suns Brett Newsome hit a double to start off the bottom of the seventh inning.

Bringing up Justino Cuevas, Newsome was advanced to third after a wild pitch by Romes Julio Surinach. Adrian Nieto drove in Newsome increasing the lead 7-1 after hitting a sacrifice fly to center field.

Rome looked for hope in the top of the ninth after a pitching change by the Suns. Phillip Gosselin hit a double to center bringing in Ramon Flores who reached on a throwing error by the Suns. The Braves could not pull it together enough to cut the Suns lead 7-2 which would be the final.

Getting the win today was Suns starting pitcher Josh Smoker (3-9). Smoker went six innings with six strikeouts and only giving up a run. Wanel Vasquez, Ben Graham, and Rob Wort all pitched one inning each. Graham had a strikeout and Wort gave up only one run.

The loss for the evening was handed to Robinson Lopez (3-6). Lopez pitched into the third giving up six runs and seven hits. Steven Kent replaced Lopez until the sixth giving up zero runs with two strikeouts. Julio Surinach came in for the sixth to end the game giving up one run to the Suns.

(7/17) Hagerstown hits Braves' hard, 10-3: Scoreboard

-Roster moves: The Rome Braves announce that RHP David Francis has moved to Rome from Myrtle Beach.  Francis was 2-3 with a 4.31 ERA with the Pelicans. The Braves return to State Mutual Stadium Tuesday at 7 p.m. to begin an eight-game homestand.  For tickets call 706-378-5144. 

(7/16) Braves win again, 6-5, vs. Hagerstown. Scoreboard

-Suns' media release: In front of 3,926 fans the Hagerstown Suns (8-14, 44-48) lost a tough one to the Rome Braves (12-10, 42-49) on Friday night at Municipal Stadium.

In the first inning with Jeff Kobernus and Stephen King on first and second after being walked, Justin Bloxom hit a home run to right field giving Hagerstown a 3-0 lead.

Rome tried to answer back in the top of the third scoring one run. With Matthew Weaver on third after a triple, Philip Gosselin singled to right making the score 3-1.

The Braves kept chipping away at the Suns lead in the fourth after a solo home run by Joe Leonard putting the score 3-2.

With Kobernus on second and Francisco batting, Hagerstown made their lead greater after a throwing error and wild pitch by the Braves. Kobernus ran in making the score 4-2.

In the top of the sixth, Rome’s bats woke up as Riaan Spanjer-Fustenburg hit a double to start it up. Scoring Spanjer-Fustenburg was another double but this time by Jace Whitmer. With runners on first and second, Chris Curley took the lead 6-4 after a home run to right center field.

It all came down to the bottom of the ninth inning for the Suns. To start the inning, Adrian Nieto was walked bringing up Eury Perez. Perez bunted reaching first as Nieto advanced to third after a throwing error by the Braves. Scoring Nieto with only one out was Kobernus hitting a sacrifice fly ball to left. The Suns could not match Rome’s lead 6-5 after back to back ground balls hit to Romes shortstop.

The Suns starting pitcher Graham Hicks (1-2) got the loss pitching through five innings with six strikeouts and giving up six runs. Luis Garcia came in during the sixth pitching through the eighth with three strikeouts. Rob Wort replaced Garcia in the top of the ninth giving up zero runs with one strikeout.

Caleb Brewer (3-1) got the win for the Braves pitching five innings giving up only four runs with five strikeouts. Coming in for the sixth and getting the save was David Hale. Hale gave up only one run and had two strikeouts.

The Suns and Braves will match up Saturday night at Municipal Stadium for their fourth game of the five game series at 7:05 p.m. www.hagerstownsuns.com.

(7/15) Rome bounces back, takes game two with Suns, 9-6. Scoreboard

-Roster moves: The Rome Braves have moved catcher Braeden Schlehuber to Myrtle Beach (Carolina League) and catcher Jace Whitmer has moved from Danville (Appalachian League) to Rome.  The Braves have also placed RHP Andrew Wilson on the Temporary Inactive list. In 48 games, Schlehuber is hitting .221 with one home run and 15 RBI.  Whitmer is hitting .326 in Danville after 15 games with eight RBI.

(7/14) Rome drops series opener to Hagerstown Suns, 5-3. Scoreboard

-Suns' game release: With a strong fourth inning, the Hagerstown Suns (7-12, 43-46) came out on top against Rome Braves (10-9, 40-48) 5-3.

The Braves started everything off in the top of the third with Edward Salcedo on first after a walk, Matthew Weaver singled to right. Bringing in the first tally on the board was a sacrifice fly by Philip Gosselin.

In the top of the fourth, Rome kept going as Riaan Spanjer-Furstenburg hit a double to left and Todd Cunningham getting walked. After a single by Christian Bethancourt, Spanjer-Furstenburg made the score 2-0. The Braves increased the lead to three after Edward Salcedo drove in Cunningham with a sacrifice fly.

The fourth inning was not close to being over as the Suns came out strong. First up to bat, Destin Hood reached on a fielding error. After a single by Brett Newsome, Hood advanced to third. With bases loaded after Sandy Leon was walked, Eury Perez reached on a force attempt bringing in Hood. After Justino Cuevas hit a double, the Suns took the lead 4-3.

Hagerstown was not done yet coming into the bottom of the sixth. Another run was put on the board as Francisco Soriano hit a sacrifice fly driving in Eury Perez who earlier reached on a single. The Suns make the lead greater 5-3 which would be the final score.

The starting pitcher for the Suns Daniel Rosenbaum (2-5) got the win pitching six innings with seven strikeouts. Rosenbaum only gave up three runs. Ben Graham got the hold replacing Rosenbaum in the seventh with seven strikeouts and giving up zero runs. Coming in the top of the ninth and getting the save was Dean Weaver who gave up zero runs.

The Braves starting pitcher Cory Rasmus (6-5) got the loss pitching until the bottom of the sixth giving up five runs with six strikeouts. Andrew Wilson replaced Rasmus having one strikeout.

The Suns and Braves have their second game of the five game homestand Thursday night at 7:05 p.m.

(7/13) Braves Roster moves: The Rome Braves announce the infielder Jordan Kreke has been sent to the Myrtle Beach Pelicans of the Carolina League.  Kreke is hitting .248, leads the team in doubles and is second with 32 RBI.  Rome receives infielder Joe Leonard from Danville.  In ten games, Leonard is hitting .278 with one home run and five RBI in Appalachian League play.  He was the Atlanta Braves third round pick this past June and played college baseball at the University of Pittsburgh.
-Left-handed pitcher Matt Fouch has been placed on the military leave list to fulfill his military commitment.  After joining the club on July third, Fouch pitched in four games and was 0-0 with a 0.00 ERA.  He has three strikeouts in five innings pitched with one save.     
-Rome begins a five game series at Hagerstown before returning to Rome on July 20th to face the Lexington Legends.  

(7/12) Riverdogs take finale, 3-2 vs. Braves. Scoreboard

-Braves' game release: The Rome Braves tried to stage another ninth inning comeback but fell short against the Charleston RiverDogs losing the game 3-2 Monday night before 2,089 fans. The Braves fall to 10-9 in the second half of the season.

Todd Cunningham (1) led off the scoring for the Braves with a lead off homerun in the fourth inning to take the 1-0 lead. The RiverDogs would counter with a homerun of their own in the fifth from Kyle Higashioka (6) to tie the game.

Charleston scored two runs in the sixth inning to take the 3-1 lead. Wilton Estevez, in relief of Braves starter Chris Masters, walked Deangelo Mack and Jimmy Paredes to lead off the inning. A wild pitch would move both runners into scoring position. JR Murphy singled to drive in Mack then Neil Medchill grounded into a double play to plate Paredes for the second run.

Cunningham would lead off in the ninth reaching on a fielding error by Kelvin Castro. After a strikeout, Cunningham was forced out at second on a Christian Bethancourt groundball. Ramon Flores followed with a double off of the left field wall to score Bethancourt but was cut down trying to reach third base for the final out allowing Charleston the 3-2 win.

Josh Romanski (4-3) earns the win for Charleston while Rome’s Wilton Estevez (1-1) gets the loss. Francisco Gill picks up the save. The Braves travel to Hagerstown for a five game series before returning to State Mutual Stadium on July 20th to face Lexington. Contact the Rome Braves at 706-378-5144 or log onto www.romebraves.com.

-Monday's K-Kid: Photo by Ernie 'The K-Man' Studard: That's Mason from Rome.

-Roster moves: The Rome Braves announce that INF/OF Robert Hefflinger has been placed on the disabled list with a fractured left thumb.  Hefflinger is hitting .250 and leads the team in home runs (4) and RBI (43).

SPLASH Bartow makes a splash at Monday's  Rome Braves' game

About 100 members of SPLASH Bartow joined the crowd at State Mutual Stadium Monday night to watch the hometown Rome Braves take on the Charleston RiverDogs in the series finale. A late comeback bid by the Braves ended too soon; Charleston won, 3-2. (click) SPLASH Bartow is a faith-based community service group open to all ages formed more than a year ago. For more, please click www.splashbartow.org.

Photos by Ernie "The K Man" Studard of Rome.

(7/11) Braves come back in the 9th to win 4-3 over Charleston. Scoreboard

-Braves' game release: The Rome Braves scored a win in the bottom of the ninth against the Charleston RiverDogs taking the Friday afternoon game 4-3 in front of 2,256 fans. The Braves take a 3-1 series lead and improve their second half record to 10-8.

The RiverDogs took an early 3-0 lead in the third inning. With one out, Kelvin Castro and Deangelo Mack hit back to back singles followed by a three run homerun by Jimmy Paredes.

The Braves scored a run in the fourth when Jake Hanson doubled, moved to third on a sacrifice fly, then crossed home on a wild pitch. A seventh inning fielding error by second baseman Emerson Landoni with two outs helped Rome tie the game. Braeden Schlehuber reached on the error and later scored on a Chris Curley RBI triple. Curley would score the tying run on the next play thanks to an RBI base hit from Matt Weaver.

The Braves led off the ninth inning with a Christian Bethancourt double. Ramon Flores was hit by a pitch to put runners at first and second. A Schlehuber bunt forced out Bethancourt at third but Curley singled to load the bases. Weaver then grounded to third basemen Hector Rabago who threw home for the force out but Flores knocked the ball loose from catcher JR Murphy allowing Rome the 4-3 victory.

David Hale (3-7) picks up the win for Rome while Charleston’s Francisco Gil (0-2) gets the loss. Rome and Charleston conclude their five game series Monday night at 7. For ticket information, contact the Rome Braves at 706-378-5144 or log onto www.romebraves.com.

(7/10) Braves' streak ends at 2 games, lose 3-1 to Charleston. Scoreboard

Braves' game release: The Rome Braves fell short against the Charleston RiverDogs losing 3-1 Saturday night in front of 3,387 fans at State Mutual Stadium. It was Rome’s first home loss against Charleston this season (10-1).

The Braves took a 1-0 lead in the second inning when Riaan Spanjer-Furstenburg led off the inning with a double and later scored on a Christian Bethancourt RBI single. The RiverDogs went ahead 2-1 in the third. Kelvin Castro led off with a double followed by a single from Deangelo Mack to move him to third. JR Murphy then doubled to bring in two runs. Charleston would extend their lead to 3-1 on an RBI base hit from Hector Rabago and would hold on for the win.

Gabriel Tatis (2-2) picks up the win for Charleston while Rome’s Brett DeVall (4-6) gets the loss. Ryan Flannery (10) picks up the save.

-Next game: Game 4 of Braves vs. Charleston, Sunday 2p.m.

(7/9) Braves on a 2-game winning streak over Charleston, 6-5. Scoreboard

Braves game release: The Rome Braves continued their winning ways against the Charleston RiverDogs with a 6-5 victory Friday night before 3,551 fans. It was Rome’s tenth consecutive home win over Charleston.

The RiverDogs scored three runs in the second inning after two outs on a RBI single from Francisco Santana then later a two RBI base hit from Deangelo Mack. The Braves answered with three runs of their own in the bottom of the second to tie the game. Braeden Schlehuber singled to drive in the first run then a two RBI Phil Gosselin double tied the game at 3-3.

Charleston took a 4-3 lead in the fourth inning on a leadoff homerun by Rob Lyerly (2).The RiverDogs would extend their lead to 5-3 in the sixth when Neil Medchill doubled and scored on a fielder’s choice and throwing error by Edward Salcedo.

Rome fought back to tie the game with two runs in the bottom of the sixth. After the Braves loaded the bases on back-to-back singles and a fielding error by the RiverDogs’ Kelvin Castro, Schlehuber hit an RBI sacrifice fly to score one followed by a Ramon Flores fielder’s choice that plated the second run.

Rome took the lead for good at 6-5 in the seventh when Riaan Spanjer-Furstenburg singled and later scored on a Todd Cunningham RBI triple.

Thomas Berryhill (1-1) picks up the win for Rome while Charleston’s Ryan Acosta (4-3) gets the loss. Matt Fouch picks up his first save of the year for the Braves.

(7/8) Braves take Game 1 from Charleston, 10-4. Scoreboard

Braves' game release: The Rome Braves scored another come from behind victory beating Charleston RiverDogs 10-4 in the first game of the homestand. The Braves record now stands at 8-7 in the second half.

The Braves took the early lead with a single run in the first when Jake Hanson reached on a fielder’s choice, moved to second on a Jimmy Paredes throwing error and third on a wild pitch. He later scored on a Todd Cunningham RBI single. Rome scored again in the second on an Edward Salcedo double that was followed by an RBI base hit from Braeden Schlehuber to extend the lead to 2-0.

The RiverDogs answered with three runs in the fourth on RBI hits from Neil Medchill, Rob Lyerly, and Kyle Higashioka to take the 3-2 lead. Charleston would extend their lead to 4-2 in the sixth inning when Medchill doubled then reached home on a Lyerly RBI double.

Rome exploded with eight runs in the sixth to take a commanding lead. The frame was highlighted by a Salcedo bases clearing three RBI triple that gave the Braves the lead. The Braves recorded six hits in the inning. Rome would hold the lead for the 10-4 final.

Rome starter Cory Rasmus (6-4) picks up the win while Charleston’s Dickson Marquez (0-5) gets the loss. (Photo of Cory Rasmus taken by Mills Fitzner)

Next up: Rome and Charleston play again Friday at 7pm for game two of the five game series.

(7/7) Braves lose 6-2 to Sand Gnats, split series 2-2. Scoreboard

Savannah game release: Savannah pitching made sure that there would be no late inning drama Wednesday when they retired the final 15 Braves in a row to finish the game to secure a 6-2 win at Historic Grayson Stadium. The Gnats offense employed a balanced attack; eight of the nine starters in the Savannah lineup had hits. 

In the fifth inning, with the Gnats holding a 3-2 lead, the Braves had first and third with no outs. Savannah (5-9/47-37) starter Darin Gorski set down the final three men in a row in the fifth to preserve the Gnats’ lead.  Then Gabriel Zavala took care of the next nine, tossing three perfect innings of relief with five strikeouts while closer Michael Powers completed the effort with a 1-2-3 ninth with a strikeout.  Only two of the final 15 Braves (7-7/37-46) batters even hit the ball out of infield. 

The bottom of the Gnats’ order strung together four consecutive two out hits to produce a 3-0 lead in the second inning. With two outs and the bases empty, C Juan Torres and DH Jet Butler singled to put runners at the corners. 2B Alonzo Harris followed by dropping a single into shallow rightcenter to bring home Torres for a 1-0 lead.  SS Wilfredo Tovar brought home Butler and Harris with a two-run double down the left field line. 

Gorski worked around trouble in the first four innings, with some help from his defense. CF Pedro Zapata threw out a runner at the plate to end the first inning, and the Gnats cut down another runner between third and home in the second on a failed Rome double-steal. However, in the fifth, LF Jake Hanson lifted a two-run home run off Gorski to bring Rome within a run at 3-2. 

After Rome closed with a run at 3-2, the Gnats added single runs in the fifth, sixth and seventh innings to pull away late. 

Next up: 7 p.m. Thursday in Rome vs. Charleston

(7/6) Braves come back to stun Sand Gnats, 7-6. Scoreboard

Savannah game release: For the second night in a row, the Rome Braves scored with two outs in the eighth inning to come from behind to beat the Savannah Sand Gnats. Tuesday, DH Edward Salcedo's two-run triple off the glove of RF Nick Santomauro capping a five run eighth inning to give the Braves (7-6/37-45) a 7-6 win. Monday, Rome scored twice in the eighth on their way to a 5-4 win over the Gnats (4-9/46-37).

Gnats starter Collin McHugh was at his very best Tuesday, striking out a season-high nine batters over six innings. He gave up two runs on five hits and a walk to hand the bullpen a 5-2 lead after six innings.

In the seventh, Gnats' reliever Luis Rojas touched 97 on the stadium radar gun while striking out two Braves.In the bottom of the inning, 2B Alonzo Harris singled home 3B Jefry Marte to give Savannah a 6-2 advantage.

The Braves began the eighth inning with a single and a walk sandwiched around around a force-out at second to against Rojas to put runners at first and second with one out. 1B Riaan Spanjer-Furstenburg then singled into left-center to make it 6-3 Savannah with runners at the corners. The Gnats brought LHP Brandon Sage in to face CF Todd Cunningham who bounced a ball to Jefry Marte at third. Marte charged and threw home, where his throw hit the sliding runner, who scored to make it 6-4, Gnats. Sage then struck out C Christian Bethancourt for the second out of the inning. That brought up Salcedo with two outs and the tying runs at first and second. With the count full and the runners moving from first and second, Salcedo drilled a ball to the warning track in right that Santomauro couldn't hold after a long run. Salcedo slid into third with a game tying triple, and headed home on the play when the relay throw to third skipped past Marte at third.

Savannah built a 4-0 lead after three innings helped by a solo home run from 1B Travis Ozga, RBI singles from DH Cesar Puello and SS Wilfedo Tovar, and a double steal of second and home executed by Harris and CF Pedro Zapata.

The Gnats will throw LHP Darin Gorski (2-4, 3.79) against Rome's LHP Chris Masters (1-3, 2.61) Wednesday at 7:05 p.m. in the final game of the four-game series.

(7/5) Braves win Game 2 at Savannah, 6-5. Scoreboard

(7/4) Braves lose on the road, 1-0, to Savannah. Scoreboard

(7/3) Braves take final game in homestand against Greensboro, 6-4. Scoreboard

-Braves' media release: The Rome Braves defeated the Greensboro Grasshoppers 6-4 powered by sixth inning fireworks in front of a sold out crowd at State Mutual Stadium of 5,105 for their second straight win.

The Braves took the lead in the first inning when Ramon Flores doubled then scored on a Riaan Spanjer-Furstenburg RBI double for the 1-0 score.

The Grasshoppers tied the game in the second with a Ryan Keedy single followed by a Chase Austin RBI double. Greensboro took the 2-1 lead in the fourth with a Jose Duarte double then a Keedy RBI base hit. They added two additional runs in the fifth to extend the lead to 4-1. Chad Cregar started the inning with a single followed by a Chris Wade RBI double to bring in the run. A sacrifice bunt moved Wade to third and he later scored on a throwing error during a pickoff attempt.

Rome led off the sixth with singles from Spanjer-Furstenburg, Todd Cunningham, and Braeden Schlehuber to load the bases. Spanjer-Furstenburg scored when Edward Salcedo grounded into a force out to retire Schlehuber. A Jake Hanson RBI double would plate Cunningham and move Salcedo to third. Chris Curley followed with a two RBI single then advanced to third on a Phil Gosselin base hit. Curley later scored on a force out at second for the 6-4 lead. That score held as the Braves claimed their second straight victory over Greensboro.

David Hale (2-7) picks up the win for Rome while Greensboro’s Erick Carrillo (2-4) gets the loss. Rome travels to Savannah for a four game series before returning to State Mutual Stadium on July 8th for five games against Charleston.

Roster moves: The Rome Braves have added LHP Matt Fouch to the roster from Danville.  Fouch was the 34th round pick by the Atlanta Braves.  Fouch played at the U. S. Military Academy and just recently graduated.

-Next game: 6:05 p.m., Sunday at Savannah

-Saturday's K-Kids: Photo by Ernie 'The K-Man' Studard: That's Braden and Jamie from Rome.

(7/2) Rome rallies in the 9th inning to beat Greensboro, 7-6. Scoreboard (Photo below of Jake Corey at the game, taken by K-Man Ernie Studard)

-Braves' media release: The Rome Braves defeated the Greensboro Grasshoppers 7-6 in comeback fashion Friday night in front of 3,073 fans at State Mutual Stadium. The Braves scored all seven of their runs from the seventh inning on for the come from behind win.

The Grasshoppers scored first in the second inning when Jose Duarte singled followed by a two run homerun from Ryan Keedy (2). Greensboro added three more runs in the third inning to take a 5-0 lead.

The Braves scored their first run of the night in the seventh when Todd Cunningham tripled then scored on a Jake Hanson RBI ground out. The Grasshoppers would answer with a run in the top of the eighth when Keedy singled, moved to third on a double from Chris Wade, then scored on a Carlos Paulino RBI base hit.

Rome put two runs on the scoreboard in the eighth to make the score 6-3. Phil Gosselin was hit by a pitch then reached third on a Jordan Kreke double. Gosselin and Kreke scored on consecutive wild pitches from Greensboro’s Arquimedes Caminero.

The Braves comeback got started in the ninth inning with a single from Cunningham. After one out Hanson followed with another base hit to put runners at first and second. A Ramon Flores RBI single would plate Cunningham for the first run and move Hanson to third. A throwing error by Kyle Jensen moved Flores to second. Gosselin then cracked a two RBI base hit to tie the game. Gosselin advanced to third on a collision at home plate and on the next play would cross the plate on a failed suicide squeeze for the 7-6 win.

Wilton Estevez (1-0) picks up the win for Rome while Greensboro’s Sandy Rosario (4-2) gets the loss.

Roster moves: The Rome Braves have received infielder Edward Salcedo from the Dominican Summer League and have placed RHP pitcher Steven Figueroa on the disabled list with an elbow strain.  Salcedo was signed by the Braves in February and has been playing in the Dominican Summer League.  He was hitting .297 with one home run and eleven RBI in 74 at bats.   

(7/1) Greensboro tops Rome, 9-2 Scoreboard

-Braves' media release: The Greensboro Grasshoppers defeated the Rome Braves 9-2 Thursday night in front of 2,604 fans at State Mutual Stadium. The Braves drop to 3-5 in the second half.

The Grasshoppers scored four runs in the first inning on four hits highlighted by a two RBI single from Jose Duarte. Rome committed two errors in the inning. The Braves put a run on the scoreboard in the second after loading the bases with singles from Riaan Spanjer-Furstenburg and Jake Hanson. Jordan Kreke was hit-by-pitch and Spanjer-Furstenburg scored on a Ramon Flores RBI sacrifice fly.

Greensboro added two runs in the third when Justin Bass singled and later scored on a throwing error by Spanjer-Furstenburg on a ball hit by Ryan Keedy. Keedy would later score the second run after consecutive singles from Chris Wade and Carlos Paulino for the 6-1 lead. Two more runs crossed the plate for the Grasshoppers in the fourth on a Duarte two RBI triple.

Rome would score their second run in the seventh on singles from Kreke and Flores followed by an RBI base hit from Matt Weaver for the 8-2 score. Greensboro scored again in the ninth inning and went on to win the game 9-2.

Chad James (3-4) picks up the win for Greensboro while Rome’s Caleb Brewer (2-1) gets the loss. Rome takes on Greensboro again tomorrow night at 7pm for the fourth game of the series. For ticket information, contact the Rome Braves at 706-378-5144 or log onto www.romebraves.com.

-Roster moves: The Rome Braves announce that catcher Osman Marval has been sent to Myrtle Beach of the Carolina League.  Rome is receiving outfielder Ramon Flores from the Danville club.