Allard, M-Braves blank Barons

BIRMINGHAM, AL -- Mississippi recorded its second shutout of the season behind a solid pitching performance from Kolby Allard as the M-Braves defeated Birmingham 3-0 in game two of a five-game series at Regions Field Thursday evening. Luis Valenzuela hit his first home run of the season to provide the needed runs.
The scoring started and ended in the Braves (13-14) half of the fifth inning with help from the Barons (10-17). After a strikeout to start the inning, Connor Lien and Reed Harper both reached after being hit by Barons starting pitcher Michael Kopech (1-2). Keith Curcio then hit into a fielders choice with Harper being forced out at second. The throw attempting the double play went wide of first base allowing Lien to score from third on the error. Valenzeula, who went 3-for-4 on the night, then hit a two-run homer over the right field wall to give Mississippi a 3-0 lead.
Allard (2-1) tossed six shutout innings, allowing just three hits while striking out 11 batters. He did not allow any free passes, and all three hits came via the bat of Barons lead off hitter Eddy Alvarez. Wes Parson (S, 2) was perfect for the final three innings as he faced nine batters and struck out two to notch the save.

Friday night Mississippi sends RHP Matt Withrow (1-0, 2.08) to the mound against Barons LHP Jordan Guerrero (0-4, 7.01) in game three of the series. First pitch is schedule for 7:05 PM.
Mississippi (13-14)      3R        5H        1E
Birmingham (10-17) 0R        3H        1E
Win: Kolby Allard (2-1, 1.36)
Loss: Michael Kopech (1-2, 3.00)
Save: Wes Parsons (2)
Attendance: 7,177
Time:   2:26