G-Braves keep playoff hopes alive with one game left in reg. season

LAWRENCEVILLE -- The Gwinnett Braves pulled off a 6-5 win over the Charlotte Knights on Sunday to keep their slim playoff hopes alive.

The G-Braves managed a rain-drenched comeback at Coolray Field in Lawrenceville, using an RBI single by current International League Player of the Week Mauro Gomez to pull within a half-game behind the Lehigh Valley IronPigs (pending the outcome of Lehigh Valley's game, which started an hour and a half after Gwinnett's game tonight), with just one regular season contest left to play.

Gwinnett (78-65), which has already been eliminated from a chance at the International League South crown, will be keeping an eye on Lehigh Monday, as both teams play at 2:05 p.m. and, if they end up tied for the Wild Card after the outcomes, a one-game playoff will take place on Tuesday at Lehigh Valley for a playoff spot.

When rain, or stadium lights or something helped Gwinnett's Gomez loft a go-ahead RBI single into shallow center in the bottom of the 8th inning. With two men on, Gomez took a big cut and sent a looping ball into the path of Charlotte CF Jordan Danks. The Knights' outfielder initially darted back toward the outfield wall, only to almost immediately realize that the ball was falling far in front of him. It was strange, but it was a G-Braves 6- 5 lead that would stand.

Starting LHP Yohan Flande went 5.2 IP, yielding 4 R/ER on 7 H, 1BB and 7 K's in earning a no-decision. Flande had allowed 4 R/ER in 17.0 IP this season against the Knights prior to tonight (2 GS, 5 G total). RHP Billy Bullock (1-0) made his Coolray Field debut with a win, going 1.0 IP with 1 K in a scoreless frame. RHP Jairo Asencio went an easy 9th inning for his IL-leading 26th save.

Gomez, who also made a possible lead-saving stab for an out at first base for the game's final play, finished 2-for-4 with an RBI. Wilkin Ramirez, playing RF, went 3-for-3 with an RBI and a SB. Designated Hitter Stefan Gartrell was 0-for-5, but notched his 94th RBI to add to his league-leading total.

The Gwinnett Braves take on the Charlotte Knights in the regular season finale on Monday afternoon at 2:05 p.m. The good guys will send out RHP Erik Cordier (5-8, 5.13) against former G-Brave RHP Deunte Heath (4-7, 4.73) for the Knights. The game can be heard on the home of the G-Braves, WDUN 550 AM/102.9 FM. Fans can also follow the G-Braves on Twitter.com/GwinnettBraves or with gametracker at www.MiLB.com.

-- NOTE: Tomorrow afternoon's regular season finale continues Fan Appreciation Weekend at Coolray Field, as fans can buy available seats for just $5 per ticket. Once inside the gates, those in attendance will be treated to multiple chances at prizes and memorabilia throughout the game.