Spring Training Report 3.31.15
By Jacob Mayer
A member of the 2014 Gwinnett Braves outfield and an outfielder who could join him this year contributed to the Atlanta Braves’ offense Tuesday in an 8–5 loss to the Houston Astros at Champion Stadium in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.
Right fielder Todd Cunningham, the G-Braves’ leader in hits a year ago, entered the game in the fifth inning as a pinch runner for left fielder Kelly Johnson and scored two batters later on a single by third baseman Alberto Callaspo.
Cunningham’s run gave the Braves a 5–3 lead, and possible 2015 Gwinnett outfielder Joe Benson took over in center field the following inning. Benson struck out in the sixth but picked up his second hit of Spring Training (eight at-bats) with two outs in the eighth.
Cunningham also grounded out in the seventh and walked in the ninth. He is batting .317 (13-for-41) for the spring with two doubles, six runs scored, five runs batted in and two stolen bases.
Other possible G-Braves position players’ stats from Tuesday vs. the Astros:
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Pedro Ciriaco (SS), 0-for-1, K.
Jesus Flores ©, 0-for-1, K.
Houston stormed back to the lead in the sixth inning with three runs off of potential G-Braves right-handed reliever Brandon Cunniff. He walked the first two batters of the inning before he gave up a three-run home run to center fielder Colby Rasmus. Cunniff (BS, 1; L, 0–1) struck out catcher Hank Conger and gave up two more hits before he caught left fielder Jonathan Villar looking to end his only inning of work.
Atlanta also announced Tuesday it has outrighted outfielder Zoilo Almonte to Gwinnett. Almonte cleared waivers, but he can elect free agency because he has been outrighted previously. The move leaves the Braves with 35 active players in Major League camp.
The Braves will face the National League East rival Philadelphia Phillies at 1:05 p.m. Wednesday in Clearwater, Fla., before they finish their Spring Training schedule with three consecutive games against the Baltimore Orioles.
-JM
