G-Braves edge Syracuse, 3-1

SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- The Gwinnett Braves end a four game slide with a 3-1 victory over the Syracuse Chiefs Friday night in the opening game of the four game series at NBT Bank Stadium.<br /> <br /> Gwinnett starter Daniel Rodriguez (W, 6-11) won his second straight game, as he recorded his second straight quality start. Rodriguez worked 6.0 scoreless innings with three hits, two walks and four strikeouts. <br /> <br /> The Gwinnett offense got Rodriguez some help early, scoring in the top of the first. Jose Constanza led off the game with a single to left off of Syracuse starter Mitch Lively and moved to third on a double to left by Todd Cunningham. With one out, Joey Terdoslavich grounded out to short, scoring Constanza from third for a 1-0 lead.<br /> <br /> In the top of the fourth, the G-Braves (47-60) added to the lead. Christian Bethancourt led off with a single to left and moved to third on a double to right-center by Brandon Boggs. Elmer Reyes then plated Bethancourt with a sacrifice fly to right for a 2-0 lead. Boggs, who moved to third on a Reyes fly ball, scored from third as Sean Kazmar lifted a sacrifice fly to right for a 3-0 lead.<br /> <br /> The lone Chiefs' run came in the bottom of the eight with G-Braves reliever Luis Avilan on the mound. Avilan walked Jeff Kobernus and gave up an infield single to pinch hitter Greg Dobbs. Emmanuel Burris walked to load the bases, and Eury Perez followed with a sac fly to left, scoring Kobernus and cutting the Gwinnett lead to 3-1. Juan Jamie replaced Avilan on the mound and completed the inning without any further damage. <br /> <br /> Jamie set the Chiefs down in order in the bottom of the ninth to seal the win.<br /> <br /> Pedro Beato worked 1.0 inning of relief with two strikeouts, replacing Rodriguez in the bottom of the seventh. Avilan went 0.1 of an inning with one hit, one earned run and two walks. Jamie (S, 15) went 1.2 innings with three strikeouts.<br /> <br /> Lively (L, 0-2) worked 5.0 inning with six hits, three earned runs and one strikeout. Ryan Mattheus went 2.0 innings with two hits and two strikeouts. Rafael Martin pitched 1.0 inning with two strikeouts. Warner Madrigal worked 1.0 inning with one hit.<br /> <br /> At the plate, Boggs led the G-Braves with a 3-for-4 night and one run. Constanza and Cunningham each went 2-for-4.<br /> <br /> The Chiefs (61-46) were paced by Burris and Perez who each went 1-for-2.<br /> <br /> The G-Braves and Chiefs will meet in game two of the four game series Saturday night in Syracuse. RHP Cody Martin (6-6, 3.37) is scheduled to pitch for the Braves. Syracuse will go with LHP Aaron Laffey (1-0, 1.29). First pitch is set for 7:00 p.m. Tony Schiavone will have the play by play call beginning at 6:55 p.m. on wdun.com, gwinnettbraves.com, Tune-In Radio and MiLB First Pitch

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