G-Braves bombed early in loss to Indians

LAWRENCEVILLE -- The Gwinnett Braves were unceremoniously welcomed home on Saturday, taking a 10-5 loss at the hands of the Indianapolis Indians at Coolray Field in Lawrenceville.

Not even a grand slam home run from G-Braves All-Star slugger Stefan Gartrell could make a heavy dent in the run differential, as Gwinnett yielded double digit runs for the first time in more than a month.

The G-Braves (59-48), after a one night stay in first, dropped back into second place in the International League South, a half-game behind Durham, which saw its Saturday game postponed by rain. The Indians (57-52), meanwhile, remain tied for second place in the IL West with the win.

G-Braves starter Erik Cordier couldn't figure it out at Coolray Field for the second straight start. He allowed the first four batters to reach, and they all scored to put Gwinnett in a 4-0 hole that it could never climb out of.

Cordier (3-7) went 5 innings in the loss, allowing 8 runs, 4 earned, on 8 hits. It's the second time in as many starts Cordier has allowed 8 runs. Another top Braves pitching prospect, Arodys Vizcaino, showed why he's considered untouchable at the trading deadline -- pitching a scoreless eighth inning that included a lot of mid-90s fastballs, a shattered bat and a strikeout.

Gartrell had a good night Saturday, increasing his single season Gwinnett homer record with his 23rd long ball of the year -- a fifth inning grand slam. He finished 2-for-4 with 4 RBIs. Centerfielder Matt Young also snapped out of his 1-for-22 skid on the road trip with a 2-for-5 night.

The G-Braves take on the Indians in game two of a four game series and mini homestand, Sunday at 2:05 p.m. Gwinnett will send out organizational top prospect RHP Julio Teheran (11-1, 1.67) against Indianapolis RHP Brad Lincoln (7-7, 3.81). The game can be heard on the voice of the Gwinnett Braves, WDUN 550 AM and 102.9 FM. Fans can also follow at www.twitter.com/GwinnettBraves1, gametracker on www.gwinnettbraves.com or MiLB TV at www.MiLB.com.

-- NOTE: After Sunday's game, children can get on the same field as their favorite Gwinnett Braves and run the bases. When they are done, families can go into the outfield have a catch, too. So stick around after the game for some good family fun.