PENSACOLA, FL -- Mike Soroka (7-3) and Tyler Mahle (7-2) put on a true pitcher's duel in front of a sellout crowd at Blue Wahoos Stadium Saturday night. Both combatants gave their all, but neither factored in the decision, as the Mississippi Braves scored four runs in the ninth, answering the
PENSACOLA, FL -- Mike Soroka (7-3) and Tyler Mahle (7-2) put on a true pitcher's duel in front of a sellout crowd at Blue Wahoos Stadium Saturday night. Both combatants gave their all, but neither factored in the decision, as the Mississippi Braves scored four runs in the ninth, answering the Wahoos two-run eighth, to claim a 4-2 victory.
Mahle struck out nine Braves hitters over six shutout innings, allowing five hits, three in the first inning. Soroka pitched seven shutout innings, giving up four hits while striking out four.
For Mississippi (32-30), Bradley Roney came on in relief of Soroka and the Blue Wahoos struck for two runs on two hits and two walks. As the pitcher of record, however, Roney picked up the win. Michael Mader pitched the ninth and earned his fourth save of the season, facing only three hitters thanks to a ground ball double play.
Pensacola (35-27) did their scoring off Roney in the eighth when Blake Trahan walked to lead off and advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt. After a strikeout, Josh Vanmeter was intentionally walked to put runners at first and second. A wild pitch allowed both to advance before scoring on a soft single to right, giving the Wahoos a 2-0 lead.
Pensacola sent their league-leading closer, Jimmy Herget, to the mound in the ninth, but the Braves handed him his third blown save of the season as well as his third loss. Herget gave up all four runs on three hits with one walk and one strikeout.
Mississippi, with a record of 2-23 when trailing after eight, rallied in the ninth, putting up four runs to claim a 4-2 victory. Travis Demeritte drew a walk to lead off the inning and advanced to second on a single by Levi Hyams. Kade Scivicque doubled into the left field corner, scoring Demeritte and moving Hyams to third. Dylan Moore later singled, plating the tying run. Connor Lien then delivered the game winning RBI on a single down the left field line. Luis Valenzuela also followed with a RBI-single to make it a 4-2 game.
Mississippi sends Kolby Allard (4-3) to the mound against Pensacola for game three of the series. Pensacola has not yet named a starter for game three of the series. Game time Sunday is set for 4:05 PM.
Mississippi (32-30) 4R 9H 0E
Pensacola (35-27) 2R 7H 0E
Win: Bradley Roney (3-0)
Loss: Jimmy Herget (1-3)
Save: Michael Mader (4)
Time: 2:36
Atten: 5,038
