Monday, July 12, 2021

–Clint Manry

The Braves kicked off its 2021 MLB Draft on Monday by selecting Wake Forest right-handed pitcher Ryan Cusick with the team’s 24th-overall pick. Standing 6-6, 235 pounds, and sporting a K rate of 11.7 strikeouts per nine in 158 innings in the ACC, Cusick looks like a damn good pick.

Today the Braves will make its picks for Rounds 2-10. Plus, the 2021 Home Run Derby will take place tonight. With so much going on AND me starting orientation for a new job this week, my daily reports will be shortened. I will try to put together a minor league preview for the new week beginning on Tuesday.

Anyways, here’s a look at Sunday’s Braves minor league action…

(26-34) Gwinnett Stripers

L, 7-0 vs. Nashville

SP, N. Kingham – (L), 5 IP, 6 H, 3 ER, 2 BB, 4 K, HR

C, A. Jackson – 2 for 4

3B, S. Kazmar – 2 for 4

(37-23) Mississippi Braves

L, 10-4 vs. Pensacola

SP, S. Strider – (L), 0.2 IP, 5 ER, 5 BB

1B, D. Lugbauer – 3 for 4, HR, 2B, 2 RBI (ranks 2nd in league with 154 wRC+)

LF, J. Ramos – 2 for 4, 3B, RBI, R

2B, J. Miller – 1 for 4, 2B, RBI

(32-28) Rome Braves

L, 5-3 vs. Bowling Green

SP, A. Rangel – 5.1 IP, 6 H, 2 ER, 3 BB, 5 K

C, L. Brown – 3 for 4, HR, RBI

1B/RF, B. Langhorne – 3 for 4, 2B, R

CF, J. Franklin – 1 for 4, HR (14th), RBI

(28-31) Augusta GreenJackets

W, 11-0 vs. Myrtle Beach

SP, T. Gordon – (W), 6 IP, H, BB, 5 K (1.95 ERA this season)

DH, L. Stephens – 1 for 4, HR, 3 RBI

1B, B. Horne – 3 for 5, 2B, RBI, R

2B, C. Shepherd – 2 for 4, HR, 2 RBI

3B, C. Birdsong – 2 for 3, RBI, 2 BB