Gwinnett Braves open play Thursday night

The Gwinnett Braves begin a new season Thursday night when they play host to the Charlotte Knights.

The teams are set to begin play at 7:05 p.m. at Coolray Field in Lawrenceville.

Ernesto Mejia and Jose Constanza lend punch to a lineup that includes Atlanta Braves prospects Tyler Pastornicky, Joe Leonard and Todd Cunningham. Pitching prospects Sean Gilmartin, the Braves’ first-round draft pick in 2011, David Hale and Cory Rasmus, along with veteran Yohan Flande, lead the G-Braves’ staff.

Constanza won the International League batting title in 2012, hitting .314 in 88 games. Mejia was the league’s rookie of the year. He provided power with 24 home runs and drove in a league-leading 92 RBIs — while batting .296.

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