LAWRENCEVILLE -- The Gwinnett Braves had their franchise-high seven game winning streak snapped on Tuesday, dropping a 7-5 decision in the homestand opener to Columbus at Coolray Field.
Gwinnett fought back late in the game, but couldn’t overcome a heavy early deficit in defeat. The G-Braves (13-6) remain in first place in the International League South division at 2.5 games ahead of Durham, while the Clippers (14-5) remain in first place in the IL West after the win.
G-Braves starter Todd Redmond struggled from the start, as the first four hitters he faced reached base in the top of the first inning. Redmond yielded three runs in the frame and Gwinnett never recovered.
Redmond (0-3) went 3 2/3 innings, allowing seven runs (six earned) on eight hits with two walks and two strikeouts. G-Braves relievers Jose Lugo (2 1/3 scoreless innings) and Anthony Varvaro (2 scoreless innings) helped quell Columbus’ offensive flame after Redmond’s exit.
Meanwhile, Mauro Gomez went 1-for-4 with a double, extending his hitting streak to a team-high eight games for the season (tied with OF Jose Constanza) to pace Gwinnett at the plate. Wilkin Ramirez also went 1-for-4 with two RBIs, while Constanza, Diory Hernandez and Jordan Schafer all had an RBI apiece.
The G-Braves play game two of their four game series with the Columbus Clippers at 7:05 p.m. on Wednesday night at Coolray Field. Gwinnett sends out RHP Jacob Thompson (1-0, 7.11 ERA) against Columbus RHP Alex White (0-0, 2.00 ERA). The game can be heard on WDUN 550 AM and 102.9 FM.
