Tourists Squeeze by Braves - Smoltz to pitch again in Rome on Saturday

Rome, GA – The Asheville Tourists defeated the Rome Braves Thursday night in front of a sell out crowd at State Mutual Stadium of 5,105 fans by a final score of 3-2.

Atlanta Braves pitcher John Smoltz started the game on a rehab assignment and pitched well going two innings. He threw 27 pitches, 17 of which were strikes, giving up just one hit with three strikeouts. Smoltz will pitch again Saturday night for Rome as it will be his last appearance before rejoining the Atlanta Braves.

The Tourists took the lead in the fourth inning when Michael Mitchell scored on an RBI groundout and Jeffrey Cunningham crossed the plate on an RBI single to go up 2-0. Rome would answer back in the bottom of the seventh when Jason Heyward scored on a Freddie Freeman double. Freeman later scored to tie the game 2-2 on a Benji Johnson sacrifice fly. Asheville would get the eventual go ahead run in the eighth on when Michael Mitchell scored on a Jeffrey Cunningham double to make the final 3-2.

Craig Baker gets the win (3-1) for Asheville, Randall Taylor the save (17), and Jeff Locke takes the loss for the Braves (1-6). Locke pitched well tonight for Rome going seven innings, three runs, and six strikeouts.

Rome takes on the Tourists tomorrow at 7 PM for Used Car Giveaway night. For ticket information, contact the Rome Braves at 706-378-5144 or log onto www.romebraves.com.