July 28, 2019–2:00 p.m.
KEVIN KAREL
The Rome Braves got another impressive evening from catcher Shea Langeliers as the lineup put Rome in front early, and the bullpen held on late in an 8-6 victory over the visiting West Virginia Power. Langeliers drove in four runs, giving him seven RBI in the first two games of the series.
Langeliers put Rome on top right away in the 1st inning, driving a two-run double into the left center field gap to score Justin Dean and Braden Shewmake. Leading 2-1 in the 5th the Braves erupted for five runs as ten hitters came to the plate during an extended rally. Shewmake and Langeliers had consecutive RBI singles. Ricardo Rodriguez pulled a single into left, bringing in another run. Jose Bermudez capped the damage with a two-run single to make it 7-1 in favor of Rome.
When the Power got a run back in the 6th Langeliers answered with another RBI hit to push the Rome advantage to 8-2.
West Virginia cut the Braves lead to 8-6 after a three-run homer by Jake Anchia in the 7th inning off reliever RHP Luis Mora. All-Star RHP Jose Montilla entered and extinguished the threat, and eventually recorded the final seven outs to earn his third save of the season.
Rome RHP William Woods made his first start of the year and went 3 innings, allowing one run on three hits. He struck out two and walked two. Reliever Ryan Shetter followed and also threw 3 innings and allowed one run. He struck out three, walked one and earned the win. Montilla went 2.1 scoreless innings and surrendered two hits, one walk and punched out three hitters for the save.
Langeliers finished the night 3-5 with a double and four RBI. Shewmake was 2-4 with a double, walk, RBI and three runs scored. Greg Cullen was 2-3 with a double and was hit by a pitch.
Rome and West Virginia continue their four-game series on Sunday afternoon. Game 3 is scheduled for 2 pm from State Mutual Stadium. Rome starts RHP Odalvi Javier (3-6, 3.39) while West Virginia puts RHP Devin Sweet (4-4, 3.27) on the mound.
Rome Braves (19-17, 49-56): 8 R 10 H 1 E
West Virginia Power (16-20, 53-53): 6 R 10 H 1 E
W: Ryan Shetter (3-2)
L: Ryne Inman (7-7)
S: Jose Montilla (3)
Time: 3:04
Attendance: 2,458