Braves Stomp the Gnats

Rome, GA – The Rome Braves defeated the Savannah Sand Gants 10-1 Thursday evening at State Mutual Stadium in front of 3,505 fans.

Rome got on board in the second inning when Freddie Freeman slammed his ninth home run of the season giving the Braves the lead 1-0.

In the third Rome posted six runs. Samuel Sime singled, stole second, and advanced to third on a throwing error by Brant Rustich. Sime then scored on a Stephen Shults single for the 2-0 lead. Cole Miles reached on a sacrifice bunt and moved to second on the second throwing error of the inning by Rustich. Shults advanced to third on the play and scored on a CJ Lee base hit which also scored Miles. The Braves continued the hit parade when Jason Heyward singled and advanced Lee to second. Heyward and Lee both scored after Freddie Freeman doubled. Freeman scored on a Benji Johnson single, making the score 7-0.

In the fourth, Savannah scored their lone run of the night when Jose Jimenez doubled and went to third while Joaquin Jimenez grounded out. Jimenez scored on a Francisco Pena double, making the score 7-1.

Rome added two runs in the fifth and one in the eighth for the 10-1 final.

Jeff Locke (2-7) gets the win for the Braves going 5.2 innings, giving up a run while striking out two while Brant Rustich (1-3) is tagged with the loss for the Sand Gnats. The Rome bullpen allowed no runs and just two hits.

Rome plays again tomorrow evening at seven in game three of the four day series against Savannah, featuring Reggie the Purple Party Dude entertaining fans during the game presented by WRGA 1470. For ticket information, contact the Rome Braves at 706-378-5144 or log onto www.romebraves.com.