The Braves took on the defending champ Giants yesterday at New Scotland to play the make-up of their early season rainout. Behind a great complete game pitching performance by starter Greg Witalec, the Braves came away with a 2-1 victory, improving their record to 3-0 on the season. The Braves scored in the first on a triple laced to right by Brendan Hogan followed by an RBI single by Jim Bonaparte. The Braves scored again in the 4th when Bonaparte and Greg Witalec singled, followed by a two out walk to John Cortese loading the bases, when Mark Denicola was hit by a pitch plating the second run. The Giants came back with one in their half of the 4th on a walk to Mike Kane who stole second and was knocked in on a base hit by Friedman. The Giants threatened again in the 7th with runners on 1st and 3rd before a ground out to third ended it.
The Braves played solid defense behind Witalec who held the potent Giants lineup to just 5 hits, striking out 7.
Next week the Braves will try to remain undefeated in a tough doubleheader at Satellite. First game against the Bombers followed by the Black Sox.
Congrats to the Braves in a well-deserved victory over the Giants. Too bad the Braves aren't in the "A'' Division of the 45s. That team is every bit as good as anyone else. They played a great defense, Witalec is the real deal and all of them can hit. It truly is great to see new teams beef up their rosters to become legitimate challengers. Classy group of guys and it was great to see my old teamie Dan Maguire back of the dish for the Braves. Anyone who doesn't take them seriously will pay dearly. Great job guys. jimk
