G-Braves stay alive in Scranton

SRANTON, PENNSYLVANIA - The Gwinnett Braves defeated the Scranton/WB Yankees 8-5 Friday at PNC Field. The G-Braves stay alive in the best-of-five series and now trail the Yankees 2-1 in Round One of the Governors’ Cup Playoffs.

Gwinnett was down 1-0 early, following a solo shot by Freddy Guzman to lead off the first inning, but came back to score five runs in the third inning. The G-Braves held that lead for the remainder of the game.

Shortstop Diory Hernandez continues to swing a hot bat and was 3-for-4 with three RBI to lead Gwinnett. Jason Heyward is also making the most of his spot in the Triple-A lineup scoring three runs and going 1-for-2 with two RBI and three walks.

First baseman Juan Miranda was 1-for-4 with a three-run homerun to lead the Yankees.

For Gwinnett, LHP Juan Perez earned the must-win for the G-Braves. He struck out two in 2.1 innings of work. RHP Bobby Brownlie started the game, allowed four earned runs and struck out two in 2.0 innings but did not factor into the decision. RHP Luis Valdez pitched a scoreless eighth and ninth inning to record the save.

LHP Kei Igawa was credited with the loss after allowing six hits and five earned runs in 3.0 innings.

Scranton/WB hosts Gwinnett in game four of the five-game playoff series Saturday at 7:05 p.m. at PNC Field. Braves LHP Jonny Venters (4-7, 5.62) is scheduled to face RHP Zach McAllister (7-5, 2.23 with Double-A Trenton) of the Yankees.

Durham defeated Louisville 4-3 at Louisville Slugger Field Friday. Durham leads their Round One series 2-1.