James Loney went 1-for-4 with a strikeout in his first game since signing with the Braves and Triple-A Gwinnett lost to the host Durham Bulls 6-1 Friday night.
The Braves also promoted Carlos Franco to Triple-A Thursday as another option at first base. But Franco went 0-for-4 with three strikeouts against Durham.
Gwinnett’s Lucas Sims (4-1) got the loss after lasting just 3 1/3 innings, allowing six runs (five earned) and seven hits. Sims walked two and struck out five.
Braves second baseman Ozzie Albies went 1-for-5 and made a throwing error. He is hitting .264.
Former Braves outfielder Mallex Smith hit a solo homer for Durham. He was 2-for-5.
Gwinnett is 21-19.
