Trash Pandas edged by Braves in opener 2-1
Rocket City falls into first place tie with Tennessee
MADISON– On a wet, cloudy night at Toyota Field, the Rocket City Trash Pandas couldn’t accomplish much at the plate in a 2-1 loss to the Mississippi Braves in the opener for a six-game series on Tuesday night.
The loss, paired with Tennessee’s win over Biloxi, puts the Trash Pandas and Smokies tied atop the North Division standings with identical 30-22 records with 17 games remaining in the first half.
Making his Double-A debut, Trash Pandas southpaw Adam Seminaris (L, 0-1) pitched a scoreless first before Mississippi took the lead in the second on an RBI double from Trey Harris. In the third, Seminaris allowed a two-out double to Riley Delgado before striking out Hendrik Clementina to end the frame.
With the Trash Pandas at the plate in the bottom of the third, the skies opened, causing a rain delay of one hour and 56 minutes. That would end of Seminaris’ night. Over three innings, he allowed one run on three hits with one walk and three strikeouts.
Cristopher Molina entered for Rocket City in the fourth and the M-Braves added on with a double steal, allowing C.J. Alexander to take home with the second run of the night. Jeremiah Jackson got the run back in the bottom of the frame with an RBI single to right, plating Zach Humphreys to get Rocket City on the board.
The Trash Pandas had a chance to tie it in the fifth as Bryce Teodosio hit an infield single, stole second, and advanced to third on a fly out. But Aaron Whitefield struck out against Braves reliever Hayden Deal (W, 2-0) and Zach Humphreys lined out to center to end the threat with the Braves still in front 2-1.
Molina pitched three relief innings for Rocket City, giving up one run on four hits with two walks and five strikeouts to keep the game within reach. Aaron Hernandez was next into the game for the Trash Pandas in the seventh and retired the Braves in order to keep the deficit at one.
Pitching with the lead, Mississippi relievers Troy Bacon and Jake Higginbotham kept the advantage at 2-1 going to the ninth. Closer Justin Maese (S, 9) finished the win for the visitors by pitching a one, two, three ninth inning.
Kolton Ingram ended the night on the mound for the Trash Pandas with two scoreless innings. Jackson and Orlando Martinez led the way for the Rocket City offense, each going 2-for-4.
The Trash Pandas (30-22) continue their series against the Braves (25-27) on Wednesday night. First pitch at Toyota Field is scheduled at 6:35 p.m. Josh Caray will be on the call for 103.9 FM THE UMP and 730 AM SportsRadio. The game will also be televised locally on WAAY-31.6, This TV.
At Wednesday’s game, 1,000 kids ages 17 and under will receive a special Trash Pandas beach towel, presented by Premiere Dental Spa. Wednesday is also an IDEXX Labs Dog Day, where fans can bring their furry friends to Toyota Field and sit with them on the Budweiser Berm. A $1 donation per dog is requested, benefitting the Sartec K-9 Unit.
