Nate McLouth hit a lead off homerun for the third time in six games against Toledo on Tuesday. Unfortunately, that was the only run the G-Braves could put on the board and they fell, 2-1 to the visiting Mud Hens.
Starting pitcher Scott Diamond allowed just one run in six innings of work. His performance was spoiled in the eighth when reliever Cory Gearin allowed a two-out single that scored the go-ahead run.
“Diamond did a nice job, he’s got the good move to first base and he even did a nice job with runners at second base and mixing up his looks.” said manager Dave Brundage. “I thought all-around he threw an outstanding ball game. Sometimes you just tip your cap to the other pitcher.”
The loss also tainted a terrific performance by Freddie Freeman at first base. In the second inning, he made a great catch against the tarp in foul territory. In the seventh inning, he stepped on first and then made a spectacular turn and throw to second for a double play.
“We got the double plays, we picked both guys off. We played a good defensive ball game, just got started a little bit late,” added Brundage.
Trailing 2-1 in the ninth, Gwinnett got two men on with two outs after Barbaro Canizares was hit by a pitch and newly acquired Willy Cabrera singled. Pinch-runner Wes Timmons moved to third and could have tied the game on the well placed single, but he was not waived home.
“There was 100 things running through my mind. One, you don’t think the throw would be on line, and then I didn’t see the catcher moving, and I still was thinking who’s coming up next and as it turned out, I like our chances with Joe (Thurston) standing up there at the plate,” Brundage said of the play. Thurston ultimately grounded out to end the game.
The disappointing loss was just their second in the last eight games. The team finished an 11-game home stand with a 6-5 record.
Gwinnett will be treated to a much needed rest on Wednesday. It will be their first day off since the all-star break, 19 days ago.
“We’re always happy to have a day off. Our team deserves one. Anytime a day off comes around, it’s nice to rest the bullpen, rest the arms and get the starters an extra day,” concluded Brundage.
The aforementioned Willy Cabrera was promoted to Gwinnett on July 31 after Gregor Blanco was traded to Kansas City. The outfielder hit .325 for double-A Mississippi.
Shortstop Diory Hernandez was recalled to Atlanta and newly acquired outfielder Wilkin Ramierez, whom the Braves got in a trade with Detroit, was assigned to the G-Braves.
The G-Braves will start a seven-game road trip against the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs on Thursday and will return home August 13 to face first-place Durham.
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