BlueClaws drop matinee game to Rome Braves 8-5

The Lakewood BlueClaws put together a strong offensive showing during a 10:30am matinee matchup with the Rome Braves, but their 13-hit attack wasn’t enough to overcome the Braves 8 run attack of their own.

Jose Bermudez started the scoring spree with a single to drive in two Braves and with the help of a wild pitch the Braves had an early 3-0 lead.  They extended the lead to 5-0 with William Contreras second long ball of the year. 

The BlueClaws got on the board thanks to Yahir Gurrola’s first round tripper bringing the score to 5-1 in favor of the Braves.  But the BlueClaws hopes of a comeback were thwarted by Luis Mejia’s two RBI single and a BlueClaw balk increasing the Braves lead to 8-1.

The BlueClaws weren’t going down easy, led by the two hit attacks of second baseman Dan Brito, first baseman Quincey Nieporte, and catcher Rodolfo Duran.  But the BlueClaws left 10 runners on base in a game that would end 8-5 in favor of the Braves.  

The BlueClaws were an impressive 6-13 with runners in scoring position.  Drew Lugbauer, the Braves catcher led a balanced attack going 3-3.

Kyle Muller (3-0) pitched six strong innings allowing just two runs to earn the win.  Spencer Howard (2-2) took the loss for Lakewood.  On a brighter side the BlueClaws bullpen contributed three scoreless innings thanks to the efforts of Randy Alcantana and Zach Warren.

After the early start in Rome, the BlueClaws head to Columbia to battle with the NY Mets Fireflies (13-13).  Damon Jones (1-1) takes the mound for the BlueClaws and the 7:05pm Friday night start.