Folty takes strong step toward promotion

The visiting Gwinnett Braves lost their fifth game in a row, a 2-0 setback at the Columbus Clippers, but Mike Foltynewicz took another step forward on his return to the majors with a terrific outing on Sunday.

Foltynewicz was victimized in the third inning by an error that allowed the first run to score. He pitched seven innings and allowed only four hits and that unearned run with seven strikeouts.

Columbus got a base-loaded walk in the eighth for the second run. It was Gwinnett’s first time being shut out this season and their fourth loss on an eight-game trip.

Third baseman Rio Ruiz, the youngest player on the Braves’ Triple-A roster, was 2-for-4 to extend his hitting streak to eight games for Gwinnett.