The Braves Swat the Gnats

Rome, GA – The Rome Braves took game one of a four game set with the Savannah Sand Gnats 3-1 before 3,120 fans.

The Braves scored first and never looked back when Michael Fisher walked in the bottom of the third and Concepcion Rodriguez followed with a single to center. Jason Heyward then singled to score Fisher. The ball got by the Savannah centerfielder Daniel Stegall which allowed Rodriguez to score giving Rome a 2-0 lead.

The Sand Gnats would attempt a comeback in the sixth when Jake Eigsti led off with a triple and later scored on a ground out by Greg Veloz making the score 2-1.

The Braves would add some insurance in the bottom of the eighth inning as Cody Johnson singled and scored on a Freddie Freeman double for the 3-1 advantage. The Rome bullpen shutdown the Sand Gnats in the ninth inning to preserve the victory.

Stephen Evarts picked up the win (2-0) with a stellar outing going six innings, allowing only one run, and striking out three. Bunito Pruneda gets the save (1) and Angel Calero takes the loss (0-2).

Rome and Savannah continue their four game series tomorrow night at seven with Myron Noodleman entertaining fans presented by 957 The Ridge. For ticket information, contact the Rome Braves at 706-378-5144 or log onto www.romebraves.com.