Catfish Lose Shootout

The Wife and I went to the Catfish game Tuesday night. But, because of the morning's schedule, we weren't able to stay to conclusion. And, were in bed by the time the game finally ended. So, we didn't see the end of the game. This wrapup is from the Columbus Catfish Web site:

Catfish Lose Shootout to Braves, 15-12
Teams combine for 33 hits, 11 for extra bases

Columbus, GA ... Offense was on the menu at Golden Park Tuesday as the Catfish (18-20) lost to the Rome Braves (27-10) by a score of 15-12. The teams combined for 33 hits as 12 players collected two or more during the nearly four hour marathon.

The first Catfish run scored in the second inning when RF Sergio Pedroza walked with the bases loaded. Rome took the lead with three runs in the top of the third inning, but Columbus responded in the bottom of the inning with a two-run home run by LF Drew Locke, his third of the season.

After one Braves run in the fifth inning they blew the game open with 10 runs in the top of the sixth. The barrage included five singles, two doubles and a two-run home run by RF Quentin Davis, his first of the season.

In a 14-3 hole the Catfish came back with one run in the bottom of the sixth on a sacrifice fly by SS Ivan DeJesus. Columbus got back into the game with an eight-run inning in the bottom of the seventh. DH Jason Mooneyham led off the inning with a walk and scored on a double by Locke. 1B David Sutherland singled to move Locke the third base. A strikeout by CF Lucas May was followed by three straight walks that loaded the bases and scored a run. Pedroza drove in two more runs with a single, making the score 14-8. 3B Russ Mitchell then slammed his fifth home run to bring the Catfish within two runs.

Rome added one insurance run in the top of the ninth inning and RHP Moises Hernandez pitched the first perfect inning of the night for his second save.

Reliever RHP Matt Gomez de Segura (0-1) gave up six runs and suffered the loss for Columbus. RHP Tyler Bullock (4-2) picked up the win with 3 1/3 innings of relief. He allowed one run on three hits and struck out four.

The third game of the series between Columbus and Rome will take place Wednesday at 7:00pm at Golden Park. RHP Cory Wade (2-0, 3.12) will face LHP Chuck James. Wade has won each of his two starts this season. James, a relief pitcher for the Atlanta Braves, is on a rehabilitation assignment with Rome. For tickets or more information call (706) 571-8866 or visit www.ColumbusCatfish.com.

I was very disappointed in the turnout for the game Tuesday night. Only 653 attended. And this for the Atlanta Braves talent-stocked farm club. And Kelly Johnson making his second rehab appearance in Columbus. With Chuck James making the start Wednesday night, it would be nice to see many fans out to watch the teams play. But I won't hold my breath.