G-Braves can't stop Louisville's Balentien

Wladimir Balentien tried to show the Gwinnett Braves that he still belongs in the big leagues, homering twice and bringing in another run with a bases-loaded walk on Sunday night in Louisville's 9-6 victory in the Kentucky city.

Balentien, a former Seattle Mariners and Cincinnati Reds outfielder, helped chase Gwinnett starter Tim Gustafson (4-3) by walking to force home a run during Louisville's biggest outburst, a four-run third inning. Gustafson lasted just seven outs, allowing five earned runs on five hits. Balentien provided a solo homer in the second inning and a two-run shot in the fifth, giving him seven homers for the season.

Mitch Jones and Barbaro Canizares homered for Gwinnett (22-27), with Jones connecting for his ninth, a two-run, two-out blast in the first inning.

The Braves came up with a three-run ninth inning on consecutive run-scoring singles by Joe Thurston, Alex Romero and Clint Sammons before the Bats' bullpen registered the game's final two outs.

About the Author

Staff

Braves decline club options on Pierce Johnson, Tyler Kinley

The Braves declined the club options on relievers Pierce Johnson and Tyler Kinley, meaning that three of their top relievers will be free agents.

OPINION

As business booms for cost-cutting Braves, McGuirk aims for ‘top-5’ payroll

Off the field, the Atlanta Braves were a hit, with third-quarter revenue up 7% from 2024. That's little solace for fans who see ticket prices rising while the payroll isn't.