Braves hold off furious Astros rally to win sixth straight, last eight of nine, 10-9

GAINESVILLE – The Gainesville Braves (8-7) are living right and notched their sixth straight win, holding off a furious Gwinnett Astros (10-5) comeback rally to win 10-9 Monday at Ivey-Watson field. 

The Braves, who lead the Sunbelt Baseball League in home runs by a 2-1 margin over the rest of the league, hit two more in the win to give them 17 dingers for the season. 

Joe Sutton took over sole possession of the home run lead by knocking his fourth homer of the season in the win. Lavossier Fisher added his third round-tripper and went 3-for-4 at the plate, with two RBIs and three runs scored to help lead the Gainesville offense. 

Starter Rob Hamby didn’t allow an earned run over four innings pitched to keep the Astros off the scoreboard as the Braves built up a 9-3 lead heading into the seventh inning. 

That’s when Gwinnett came to life and put up a six-spot to tie the game on just two hits. Earlier, Brady Moore cut into the Braves lead clouting a two-run homer in the sixth to pace the Gwinnett offense.  

With the game knotted at 9-9 in the home half of the eighth, the Braves Josh Shuler scored the game winner after leading off with a single and coming round the horn on three walks. 

Winner Greer Holston hurled a pair of scoreless innings while striking out four to earn the win. 

Leo Giannoni took the loss for Gwinnett. 

The two clubs hook up again on Wednesday in Gwinnett. The Braves return home Saturday night in a much anticipation series against the Atlanta Crackers.