Braves Sink Captains' Ship
Rome Takes 2-1 Series Lead

Rome, GA - The Rome Braves beat the Lake County Captains 3-1in Game Three of the South Atlantic League Championship Thursday night at State Mutual Stadium before a crowd of 4,973. The Braves now have a 2 games to 1 lead in the series.

Lake County took an early lead in the first inning. Nathan Panther led off with a double down the first base line and moved to second on a sacrifice bunt by Chris De La Cruz. Panther scored on a Shaun Larkin sacrifice fly to centerfield.

Rome took a 3-1 lead in the sixth inning. Luis Hernandez singled, and was called out for runner interference on a grounder hit by Onil Joseph. Joseph reached first safely and moved to second after Wes Timmons drew a walk off Lake County starter Fausto Carmona. Jeff Francoeur laced a double down the left field line scoring Joseph and advancing Timmons to third. Carmona then issued an intentional walk to Brian McCann to load the bases. Yaron Peters hit into a fielder's choice scoring Timmons, moving Francoeur to third, and catching McCann out at second. A single through the right side by Ardley Jansen scored Francoeur.

Braves starter Matt Wright earns the win going seven innings, giving up one earned run on five hits, walking two and striking out seven (1-1). Captains' starter Fausto Carmona takes the loss (1-1). Sung Ki Jung gets the save for Rome (3).

Rome is one victory away from the South Atlantic League Championship, but the win will not be easy, as Lake County will send Keith Ramsey (1-0, 2.29) to the mound Friday night for Game Four. Kyle Davies gets the call for Rome (1-0, 1.50). The game begins at 7pm at State Mutual Stadium.