Catfish drop another to Rome

The 2008 season has started rough for the Columbus Catfish. They suffered their 6th loss in 8 games tonight, dropping a 5-4 decision to the Rome Braves.

The Catfish jumped out to an early lead. CF Emeel Salem tripled to center to lead off the game. With 2 outs, DH Gregory Sexton singled, allowing Salem to score, putting the Catfish up 1-0.

Rome scored 3 in the bottom of the inning, to make it 3-1.

It stayed that way until the top of the 7th, when things turned the Catfish way. LF Reid Fronk doubled to start the inning. Sexton followed with a single to right. RF Maiko Loyola tripled, tying the game. C Mike McCormick singled, scoring Loyola, and putting the Catfish up 4-3.

Two walks, two stolen bases, and a single in the Rome half of the 8th, put the Braves up, 5-4.

The Catfish managed a base runner in the 9th, but were unable to score, and had their 6th loss of the year.

Salem and Sexton each had a pair of hits for the Catfish, who outhit Rome 8-7.

Starter Jesse Darcy only lasted 3 innings, allowing 3 runs on 5 hits, striking out 2, but didn't figure in the decision. Reliever Brian Flores pitched 2 innings, walking a pair, but didn't allow a hit and struck out one. Justin Garcia pitched the final 3 innings, allowing 2 runs on 2 hits, striking out one. He took the loss.

The Catfish now head to Savannah for four games with the Sand Gnats, before returning home Tuesday to host Rome.