Martin stymies Bulls, leads G-Braves to 5-2 win

LAWRENCEVILLE -- The Gwinnett Braves rode a strong performance by Cody Martin to finish a two-game sweep of the Durham Bulls with a 5-2 victory on Saturday night at Coolray Field. It's the first series victory and sweep for Gwinnett since May 13-16 at Buffalo.<br /> <br /> Martin (W, 6-6) hurled 6.0 innings, allowing one run on six hits, walking two and striking out nine. The right-hander continued his dominance at Coolray Field, improving to 5-3 with a 2.62 ERA in 11 home starts.<br /> <br /> "I don't know what it is. I have the same routine, command my pitches the same," said Martin about his dominance at home. "I feel more relax and energized at home. I think I just sleep a lot better here than on the road."<br /> <br /> Martin gave up his lone run of the game in the top of the fourth inning. Curt Casali singled to start the frame and scored on an RBI double by Jayson Nix, making it 1-0 Bulls. Martin avoided further trouble, inducing an inning-ending double play with runners on the corners.<br /> <br /> The G-Braves used the momentum to bat around and score four runs on four hits in the bottom of the fourth against Bulls starter Enny Romero. Joey Terdoslavich walked, moved to second on a single by Brandon Boggs and scored on a an RBI single by Jose Constanza. Elmer Reyes added an RBI double to extend the lead to 2-1, while Todd Cunningham capped the scoring with a two-run triple, making it 4-1.<br /> <br /> Gwinnett extended the lead in the bottom of the sixth. Edward Salcedo reached on an error, moved to second base on a groundout and scored on an RBI single by Cunningham. <br /> <br /> Carlos Fisher and Ryan Buchter each added scoreless innings in relief. James Hoyt struggled in a third of an inning, allowing one run on two hits with two walks. He left the game with the bases loaded, but Atahualpa Severino (S, 1) retired the next two batters in order to preserve the win.<br /> <br /> Romero (L, 2-10) suffered the loss, allowing four runs on seven hits in 3.2 innings. He walked two and struck out three.<br /> <br /> Constanza led the G-Braves, going 3-for-4 with a run scored and an RBI. Cunningham went 2-for-3 with three RBIs.<br /> <br /> The Bulls (48-43) had nine hits on the night. Nix and Jeremy Moore each went 2-for-4.<br /> <br /> The Gwinnett Braves continue the six-game homestand on Sunday evening as they open a four-game series against the Syracuse Chiefs. The game will start at a special time, 6:05 PM. Left-hander Daniel Rodriguez (4-10, 4.79) will start for the G-Braves, while the Chiefs will counter with left-hander Aaron Laffey (10-3, 2.93). Tony Schiavone will have the play-by-play call beginning at 5:50 PM on WDUN.com, GwinnettBraves.com, Tune-In Radio and the MiLB First Pitch app. The game will also be televised on the MeTV network, WSB-TV Channel 2.2 with broadcasters Mike Morgan, Dave Lezotte and Van Earl Wright.<br /> <br /> Sunday is "RaceTrac Night" at Coolray Field. Bring new or gently-used baseball equipment to donate to Camp Sunshine. RaceTrac's mascot will also be on hand for entertainment around the ballpark. It's also "Sunday Family FunDay" featuring Pre-Game Catch in the Outfield (starting when gates open and lasting for 20 minutes) and the Post-Game Kids Base Run (kids 12 and under) sponsored by Kid-to-Kid Buford. Tickets are on sale now at the Coolray Field Ticket Office, call 678-277-0340 or visit GwinnettBraves.com to purchase.

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