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

Keep Reading

Atlanta Braves right fielder Ronald Acuna Jr. jogs onto the field to warm up before their game against the San Diego Padres at Truist Park, Friday, May 23, 2025, in Atlanta. (Jason Getz / AJC)

Credit: Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com

Featured

Prosecutor Skandalakis has previously suggested that pursuing criminal charges against President Donald Trump may not be feasible until after he leaves office in 2029. (Craig Hudson/Politico/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Credit: Bloomberg via Getty Images