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DANVILLE, Va. - It was a different game tonight, with a formidable start by D-Brave righty Kyle Farrell and hot bats handing Danville the win over Johnson City, 7-5.

With the win, the Braves improve to 17-15 on the season, and a loss by Pulaski ties the rivals once again.

An extra-inning Burlington game will decide whether the two sit in first or second in the Appalachian League East.

Johnson City drops to 21-11, though remains firmly in first in the West.

The D-Braves made a statement both on the mound, and at the plate early on in the ballgame. Farrell shut down the first six batters he faced in order, recording three strike outs right away.

While it took three Cardinal batters to get out of the top of the first, it took three D-Braves to score the first run in the bottom half.

The first tally came courtesy of a lead-off double by center fielder Jason Mowry, who then crossed home on an RBI single by third baseman Barrett Kleinknecht.

Quiet through two, Johnson City hopped on the board in the third with a lead-off home run by center fielder Virgil Hill. It was his first of the season.

Farrell recovered quickly, however, allowing only two additional hits and no runs through the final four innings of his outing.

Johnson City righty Angel De Jesus settled down on the hill after the first, but D-Braves batters got to him again in the fifth for an additional three runs. All three were credited to Mowry, who blasted a three-run homer to right to give Danville a 5-1 lead. Like his Cardinal counterpart, it was Mowry's first home run of the season.

Cruising with a 6-1 lead into the eighth, the Cardinals made it a game with D-Brave reliever Tyler Stovall on the hill for Farrell. In his one-out, six-batter outing, Stovall hit a Cardinal, walked two and gave up a double that resulted in Johnson City runs.

In now for the save, Kyle Mertins notched a one-pitch double-play ball off the bat of JCY first baseman Kleininger Teran.

The D-Braves tallied a desperately-needed insurance run in their half of the eighth on an RBI single by second baseman Elmer Reyes, giving them the 7-5 edge at the end of eight.

Tension built in the top half of the ninth once again, as a quick first out was followed by back-to-back singles and a hit-by-pitch to load the bases. Pop and ground-outs by the Cardinals, however, gave Mertins his third save, and the D-Braves a big home victory.

Reliable once again for Danville was Kleinknecht, who extended his hitting streak to eight games on two RBI singles at back-to-back at-bats.

Also hitting safely to lengthen his streak was catcher Evan Gattis, who has now hit safely in ten-straight thanks to a 2-4 night. Center fielder Hill had a solid night offensively for Johnson City, going 2-4 with a single on top of his solo shot.

Taking the win for his one-run performance, Farrell improves to 3-1 on the season, and adding four strike outs to his record. De Jesus got his first loss of 2010, allowing five, all earned, on eight hits in five innings. He, too, struck out four batters.

Tonight's win sets up the rubber match of the series between Danville and Johnson City. Game time is Sunday at 4 p.m., with D-Brave Willie Kempf and Cardinal Cale Johnson taking the mound in the mid-afternoon game.

Fans can follow all Braves play-by-play action for home games on WMNA 106.3 FM or on the Braves' website at www.dbraves.com.

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DANVILLE, Va. - The Johnson City Cardinals jumped out to a 3-1 lead in the first inning, and only distanced themselves from there, defeating the Danville Braves, 12-5.

The Cardinals improve to 21-10 and lead the Appalachian League West by three games thanks to an Elizabethon Twins loss tonight.

Starting the night in first place, wins by fellow leaders Pulaski and Burlington tonight drop the Braves to second in the East at 16-15.

Cardinals batters got to Braves lefty starter Ronan Pacheco right off the bat, with RBI singles by third baseman Romulo Ruiz and designated hitter Kleininger Teran, combined with a sacrifice fly to left by right fielder Roberto Reyes, put Johnson City up three after the first half.

The D-Braves struck back in the bottom of the first, however, thanks to a solo home run by second baseman Barrett Kleinknecht.

The rally vibe was quickly silenced thanks to an additional nine Johnson City runs by the end of the sixth. Through six, D-Braves pitchers faced 42 Cardinals combined, and faced eight in the first, fourth and sixth innings.

It was a tough night to be on the mound for Danville, starting with Pacheco who was pulled after recording two outs in the second due to heat-related illness.

Taking his place was Jamie Hayes in his sixth relief appearance of the season. In his three-inning outing, Hayes gave up five runs, all earned on seven hits, with four walks and three strikeouts.

Meanwhile, the D-Braves continued to struggle at the plate. Danville got another two marks on the board in the fourth off a two-run homer by designated hitter Evan Gattis. With the hit, Gattis extends his hitting streak to nine games - two in front of the season record.

Still looking for someone to shut down Johnson City's offense in the fifth inning, reliever Matthew Lewis came in for Hayes with two outs on the board, and drew the final out after a long at-bat by Teran.

The sixth inning would not be as simple for Lewis, however, as he allowed two hits and two runs with three walks. Trailing 12-3, Edigson Mora went to work on the mound for Danville, and finally found the key to shutting down the Cardinals' offense.

Facing 14 total batters in his 3.1 innings, Mora allowed no runs on four hits with a lone walk and strike out.

Battling 'til the very end, the Braves looked to take advantage of quiet Johnson City bats, and added runs in the seventh and eighth on an RBI doubles by first baseman Alberto Odreman, who reached third on a throwing error, and relief third baseman Jakob Dalfonso.

Unable to add any more in the ninth, however, the victory was finally handed to the Cardinals after 2:59 of play.

Pacheco got the loss on the night, as the D-Braves were unable to even the score after he left. JCY's lefty start Ryan Copeland took his fourth win of the season thanks to a five inning start, during which he allowed three runs and struck out seven. Hector Hernandez got his first save of the season in his four-inning relief appearance.

Leading the Cards at the plate was left fielder Oscar Taveras, who knocked in six and scored once himself in his 4-5 performance, including a double.

As a team, Johnson City belted 20 hits in the ballgame- a new season-high hits allowed for the Braves. On the other side, Kleinknecht had a ready bat all night for Danville, finishing the night at 3-4 with three runs scored with a double and a home run.

Game two of the series is tomorrow night at 7 p.m. Starting on the mound for the D-Braves will be right-hander Kyle Farrell, and Johnson City will throw Angel Dejesus.

Also featured at American Legion Post 325 Field is the Can Koozie Give-Away courtesy of First Citizens Bank. The first 500 fans to file into the ballpark will receive one of these great prizes, so don't be late!

Fans can follow all Braves play-by-play action for home games on WMNA 106.3 FM or on the Braves' website at www.dbraves.com.

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DANVILLE, Va. - The Danville Braves held on to a fourth-inning lead and shut out the Mariners after the first for the win tonight, 4-1.

After a Burlington loss tonight, Danville now shares the lead with Pulaski and the Royals in the Appalachian League East at 16-14.

Pulaski struck first in tonight's match-up after Braves starting tosser Ryan Weber got into a little trouble to start off the game. In the top of the first, Weber granted a lead-off double to center fielder Mario Yepez, followed by an RBI single by third baseman Ramon Morla an out later.

Weber, in his second outing since being added back into the D-Braves' starting rotation, took control after the early-inning slip.

Through the rest of his seven-inning go-around, the righty faced only one batter over the minimum, thanks, in part to an excellent display of defense by the D-Braves fielders, and struck out six Mariners. His six strike outs tie his season high for the third time this season.

For the second consecutive night, Danville batters came ready to work, and notched ten hits in the game. All of the damage on the board for the Braves came in an active fourth inning in which, again, for the second night, every batter came up to the plate, this time against Pulaski starter Tim Boyce.

In the inning that started off with a double by Andrelton Simmons, four runs scored on an identical four hits. The damage kicked off with an RBI sacrifice fly by second baseman Elmer Reyes, and was followed by another run on the board off a throwing error that allowed third baseman Barrett Kleinknect to reach second. Catcher Evan Gattis contributed the final two tallies of the inning, and the game, on his third single of the game.

The relief pitchers for both teams both contributed shut out innings, with Pulaski's Michael Vitale throwing for the final four, allowing only one hit, and Danville's Matthew Suschak closing the eighth and ninth innings, giving up three hits in his appearance.

Weber was credited with the win tonight, moving his record up to 3-1, and his ERA down to 2.86. Suschak was also awarded the save. Boyce now drops to 5-2 on the season for the four runs he gave up, despite only one being earned.

With yet another all-around game, Danville's Gattis especially shown while swinging the bat, putting together a 3-4 night with two RBIs.

The catcher, after notching his first hit in his first-at bat, now officially holds the longest D-Braves hitting streak of 2010 at eight games and counting.

Also notable on the night was that no Braves batter struck out or walked for the first time this season. For Pulaski, Morla, the league's home run leader, was fairly quiet, going 1-4 and knocking in the only Mariner run.

The Braves now gear up for the second-half of their home stand as they welcome the Johnson City Cardinals for a three game series that starts tomorrow night at 7 p.m.

On the hill for Danville as the team takes on the leaders of the West division, will be lefty Ronan Pacheco, who will face off against fellow lefty Ryan Copeland.

Several great promotions still remain in this stint at home, starting with Dr. Bryan Spurrier, DDS Night tomorrow, July 23. Next up is Can Koozie Give-Away Night presented by First Citizens Bank on Saturday, July 24. Fans, don't miss your chance to catch all of the action, and enjoy these great promotions this weekend!

Fans can follow all Braves play-by-play action for home games on WMNA 106.3 FM or on the Braves' website at www.dbraves.com.

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DANVILLE, Va. - The Danville Braves took the lead in the first and never looked back tonight in their 8-1 domination of the Pulaski Mariners.

With the same score as the previous night, the D-Braves got the win this go-around, and improve to 15-14 on the season.

Having taken the lone lead of the Appalachian League East last night, the loss puts the Mariners at 16-13 and in a tie with Burlington for first, with the Braves just a game behind.

Danville starter on the mound Aaron Northcraft set the tone of the game early, shutting down the side in the first, and recording his first two strikeouts of the night.

On the opposite end, D-Braves batters set a tone of their own, tallying their first two runs of the evening on an RBI single by catcher Evan Gattis and RBI double by third baseman Joey Terdoslavich.

Pulaski's righty Yovanny Olivero regained his control after giving up the early runs, holding the Braves to only one additional run through the rest of his five-inning outing, despite giving up ten hits.

The story was different for righty Northcraft, as he went to work setting a few personal, and D-Braves season-bests.

In his season-long seven innings of work, Northcraft struck out a personal and 2010 pitching staff season-best ten batters. He also allowed no runs for his second consecutive shutout and third consecutive win tonight.

Relieving Olivero in the sixth, Yao Wen Chang entered the game with a 3-0 deficit, which expanded to an overwhelming 8-0 by the end of the eighth. After putting down the first three batters he faced, Chang gave up a quick run in the seventh off Gattis' second RBI single of the night, putting the Braves up 4-0.

But Danville batters weren't done yet, as they tacked on another four runs in the eighth on four singles and two doubles. Batting around in the bottom of the inning, designated hitter Jakob Dalfonso and Gattis both knocked in runs, while shortstop Andrelton Simmons started off the damage in the nine-batter inning with a two-RBI double.

Not wanting to be overshadowed by the record-setting night had by their starting pitcher, Braves sluggers knocked a season-best 18 hits to tie their largest margin of victory set on June 26 at Bluefield with a seven-run advantage.

The lone Pulaski run came on a throwing error by catcher Gattis in the ninth that allowed first baseman Matt Browning to reach first after striking out swinging, and sent right fielder Jorge Agudelo across home.

At the end of eight and a half innings, Northcraft was credited with the win, while Pulaski's Olivero got the loss after he gave up three runs with one strike out, and falls to 0-4 on the season.

Every D-Brave batter contributed a hit tonight, with six recording runs, and five tallying RBIs. Leading the pack of hot bats was Gattis, who, in his 4-5 performance, drove in three runs and crossed home plate himself, improving his average to .361.

The five Pulaski hits were evenly distributed across the bottom half of the line up tonight, with Agudelo singled out as the only Mariner to reach home.

The Braves and Mariners are back in action tomorrow night as they wrap up their three-game stint at American Legion Post 325 Field, and their six-game overall series.

Game time is 7 p.m. Tomorrow night is also Thirsty Thursday.

Fans, come on out to Dan Daniel Memorial Park and cheer on your D-Braves, while enjoying discounted beverages!

Johnson City will come to Danville for the second half of the six-game home stand, starting their second series with the Braves on July 23.

Featured in this portion of the stand are Dr. Bryan Spurrier, DDS Night on Friday and Can Koozie Give-Away Night sponsored by First Citizens Bank on Saturday, July 24.

Fans can follow all Braves play-by-play action for home games on WMNA 106.3 FM or on the Braves' website at www.dbraves.com.

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DANVILLE, Va. - It was a pitcher's duel through eight, but a ninth inning surge by the Pulaski Mariners gave them a 8-1 win over the Danville Braves.

The Mariners improve to 16-12 on the season and remain in first in the Appalachian League East, while the Braves are set back to .500 in 2010 at 14-14.

Pulaski got to D-Braves starting hurler Willie Kempf early on, and struck first in its opening round of at-bats.

After giving up a lead-off single to center fielder Mario Yepez, Kempf shut down the next two in order before an RBI-double by right fielder Jose Rivero put the Mariners on the board.

Through the next seven innings, Kempf only pitched to two over the minimum, shutting down the next ten batters in a row before allowing a lone single in the fifth.

The only other batter allowed on base post-first inning of work was catcher Hassiel Jimenez, who he hit with a fast ball that got away. The bottom halves of the first eight innings were much of the same, with Pulaski righty George Mieses keeping Braves bats quiet.

Despite issuing a lead-off walk in the first, Mieses regained his control, striking out four by the end of the fifth.

After a quick fly-out to right by shortstop Andrelton Simmons, designated hitter Barrett Kleinknecht nabbed a two-bagger, and then advanced to third on a wild pitch.

In the next at-bat, relief catcher Evan Gattis knocked the DH home on a sacrifice fly, tying the game at 1-1.
Silence ensued after the lone run, and it appeared as though the game was destined for another night of extra innings as the eighth ended with the tie intact.

With Matthew Lewis in relief for Kempf, however, the Mariners found what they had been missing all night, tacking on seven runs by the time the half inning was out.

Lewis put two on quickly thanks to back-to-back walks, and a single by Rivero brought them both across the plate to put Pulaski ahead for the second time of the ballgame. By the end of the inning, a throwing error by Lewis, three walks, and a grand-slam by Yepez had given the Mariners a commanding 8-1 lead.

In relief for Mieses, Stephen Kolscheen closed out the game in the first four at-bats to give Pulaski the win.

As the pitcher of record at the time the lead was taken, Mieses was credited with the win in eight innings of work, allowing one run, while Danville's Lewis took the loss in one inning of work thanks to seven runs and five walks.

Kempf was given the no-decision, giving up one run and striking out a season-high eight batters.

Continuing to be reliable at the plate, Kleinknecht was one of the few offensive contributors for the Braves, with a double, run scored and hit-by-pitch on the night.

Yepez was the clear leader for Pulaski, with two hits, including his first grand slam of the season.

The Braves and Mariners continue their series in Danville Wednesday night at 7 p.m. On the hill for the D-Braves will be righty Aaron Northcraft, who will face Pulaski's Yovanny Olivero.

Thursday night is also Thirsty Thursday, so, fans, don't miss on the action and great promotion at Dan Daniel Memorial Park!

Also featured in this home stand are Dr. Bryan Spurrier, DDS Night on Friday, July 23and Can Koozie Give-Away Night on Saturday, July 24.

Fans can follow all Braves play-by-play action for home games on WMNA 106.3 FM or on the Braves' website at www.dbraves.com.