(74-68) Charlotte Knights 4 vs. (75-67) Gwinnett Braves 2

Box Score

Mallex Smith, CF: 0-3, 1 BB, CS, .282/.334/.366

Joey Terdoslavich, DH: 0-2, 1 BB, 1 RBI, .281/.392/.453

Greg Smith, SP: 6.2 IP, 9 H, 4 ER, 1 BB, 2 K, 2.71 ERA

Gwinnett fell short in its attempt to make up ground in its quest for the playoffs as they lost to Charlotte 4-2. Given that they are two games back, they must now win their final two games of the season and hope that Norfolk loses their last two games which would force a one-game playoff. Mallex Smith has had a great season, but tonight was not his best effort as he only reached base on walk and was promptly caught stealing for the 6th time since his promotion to Gwinnett. Greg Smith, who has been excellent all year, had a mediocre start as he gave up 4 runs but did last in to the 7th inning. Unfortunately, the offense struggled and those 4 runs would be more than sufficient.

(69-66) Mississippi Braves 1 vs. (56-81) Jacksonville Suns 4

Box Score

Rio Ruiz, 3B: 1-2, 1 BB, .233/.334/.322

Kevin Ahrens, 1B: 1-4, 1 RBI, .240/.316/.365

Andrew Thurman, SP: 4.2 IP, 8 H, 4 ER, 3 BB, 4 K, 5.18 ERA

Mississippi also fell short in its quest for the postseason as lowly Jacksonville beat the Braves 4-1. Andrew Thurman had a rocky start as he lasted just in to the fifth inning and gave up 4 runs on 8 hits and 3 walks. It could have been worse, but Thurman did manage to pitch himself out of trouble and limit the damage. Sadly, the offense only managed one run on 4 singles the entire which is less than desirable. Kevin Ahrens had the lone RBI for Mississippi while Rio Ruiz tried to end the season on a good note with a hit as well as a walk.

(70-67) Carolina Mudcats 4 vs. (71-67) Lynchburg Hillcats 8

Box Score

Connor Lien, CF: 1-5, 2 runs, Outfield Assist (20) .285/.346/.420

Carlos Franco, 3B: 3-4, 2 RBI, 1 BB, .256/.346/.401

Matt Bywater, SP: 4 IP, 9 H, 7 ER, 3 BB, 7 K, 4.74 ERA

Carolina managed to score some runs, but unfortunately Matt Bywater had his worst start since he was signed by the Braves and Carolina fell 8-4. Bywater, in contrast to his previous starts where he has ranged from good to excellent, had a rough night and was chased by the 5th inning after giving up 7 runs. Connor Lien got a hit and scored a couple of runs, but he deserves special recognition for recording his 20th outfield assist of the season in this game. There is some debate as to whether his current batting prowess is sustainable enough play as regular in the majors (due to his high BABIP this season), but there is no question that defensively he has some special skills and confidence in those skills. Carlos Franco had a great game at the plate, reaching base 4 times while driving in a couple of runs. Dustin Peterson failed to record a hit, but did get an RBI on a sac fly.

(58-80) Rome Braves 5 vs. (79-57) Hickory Crawdads 1

Box Score

Braxton Davidson, RF: 2-4, 2 runs, .246/.386/.381

Tanner Murphy, C: 1-4, HR(7), 3 RBI, .192/.278/.309

Matt Tellor, 1B: 1-4, HR, 2 RBI, .235/.279/.338

Trevor Belicek, SP: 5 IP, 5 H, 0 ER, 3 BB, 1 K, 1.86 ERA

Rome was the lone victorious Braves' affiliate as they beat Hickoy 5-1. Trevor Belicek has been incredibly impressive in his short career. While it is to be expected that, given he is a 4-year college pitcher, he was going to be ahead of most at rookie ball, it turns out that he is also dominating single-A with a 1.86 ERA in 4 starts at Rome after a very strong showing at Danville as well. Braxton Davidson got a couple of hits and scored twice to begin to wind his season down. The bulk of the offense came off the bats of Tanner Murphy and Matt Tellor who both cranked home runs in the game. After Belicek left the game, the bullpen came in and locked things down to preserve the win.