Rainy Lara Impressive Even In Defeat As Savannah Falls To Rome, 2-1

Rome 2, Savannah 1

On Sunday afternoon at Historic Grayson Stadium in Savannah, the Rome Braves edged the Sand Gnats 2-1 to gain a split of the two game set.

Savannah (5-5) scored their lone run in the bottom of the third inning on an RBI fielders choice by right-fielder Eudy Pina.

Sand Gnats hurler Rainy Lara was perfect through the first four innings while striking out five – but he allowed a lead-off single in the fifth to break his streak. Heading into the sixth with a 1-0 lead, Lara again yielded a leadoff single. A subsequent fielding error on a bunt by Lara himself created a first and third situation, and the walk that followed loaded the bases with none out. After a force out at home, Braves DH Josh Elander singled home the tying and go ahead runs, giving the Braves a 2-1 lead that they would not relinquish.

Despite the loss, Savannah received superb pitching from Rainy Lara. Lara pitched five-and-one-third innings allowing two runs off three hits and a walk. He struck out seven as well. Brett Mitchell and Beck Wheeler were outstanding in relief as well, as they combined to finish the game. Mitchell struck out three over an inning-and-two-thirds pitched, while Beck Wheeler provided two perfect frames.