PEARL, MS – The Mississippi Braves jumped out to a 4-0 lead and held on to defeat the Birmingham Barons 4-3 Thursday evening at Trustmark Park. The series continues with game four Friday at 7:00 PM. The Special Olympics of Mississippi charity softball game gets under way at 5:00 PM. The special game features Governor Phil Bryant and NFL star Brett Favre.

Mississippi (29-23, 62-58) scored four runs on seven hits. Birmingham (29-23, 62-59) plated three runs on five hits. Emerson Landoni and Matt Kennelly led the Braves with two hits each at the plate. Christian Marrero collected a multi-hit game for the Barons.

The M-Braves loaded the bases with no outs in the bottom of the first. KD Kang then drew a walk to put the Braves out front 1-0. Kennelly then reached on an error by the pitcher, allowing Levi Hyams to score. Kevin Ahrens and Sean Godfrey then followed with back-to-back sacrifice flies, extending the M-Braves lead to 4-0.

Marrero led off the fourth with a triple to left field. He came in to score on a Danny Hayes sacrifice fly, cutting the M-Braves lead to 4-1.

The Barons drew three walks to load the bases in the ninth. Tony Thomas then delivered a pinch-hit, two-run double to make it a one-run game.

Andrew Thurman (1-1) held the Barons to one earned run on three hits and two walks. He struck out three batters in six innings of work. Tyler Jones (S, 14) closed out the game, recording the final two outs and notching the save.

Mark Blackmar (5-6) tossed five innings for Birmingham and took the loss. He gave up four runs, three earned, on five hits and four walks while fanning one batter.

In game four of this five-game series at Trustmark Park, the M-Braves send righty Stephen Janas (1-5, 4.22) to the hill against Barons right-hander Frankie Montas (4-4, 2.64). First pitch is slated for 7:00 PM. Gates open at 6:00 PM.

By M-Braves Sport Media Relations