(Media release from the Rome Braves):
The Rome Braves stage a late inning comeback on Thursday night, notching their fourth straight victory.
Jhancarlos Lara got the starting nod from manager Angel Flores on Thursday night, making just his second start as a Rome Brave since being called up from Low-A Augusta at the end of August.
Lara would get into early trouble, allowing two runs to cross the plate in the game’s first two frames. Despite the early bump, Lara would go on to punch out twelve Asheville batters over four and two thirds of an inning.
Lara’s twelve punchouts were two shy of the franchise record for single game strikeouts by a pitcher of sixteen. Tanner Gordon set that record on April 16th, 2022, against the Hudson Valley Renegades.
The Braves would not get on the board until the home half of the seventh when a Cory Acton ground out would push across Justin Janas. After a wild pitch scored Bryson Worrell to make it three to two in favor of the Tourists, Rome would tie the game and subsequently take the lead on a throwing error from Asheville catcher John Garcia.
The errant throw would allow the two fastest men on the team, Kadon Morton and Kevin Kilpatrick Jr., to score and give Rome their first lead of the night.
Strong, scoreless outings from Rob Griswold and Ronaldo Alesandro would keep the Tourists’ bats at bay, allowing Rome to take home their sixty-fourth win of the season. The Braves can reach a .500 winning percentage with a win tomorrow, and can secure a winning record with a series sweep.
The Braves and Tourists will continue their six game series on Friday night with a 7:00pm first pitch. Braves No. 3 prospect Owen Murphy is scheduled to take the mound for Rome.
