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2 | June 1-14, 2012 | Vol. 8 Iss. 11 CONTENTS CAN’T MISS SHOT OF THE THIS WEEK Starting WEEK... Lineup Ryan Caiafa debuts his “Ryan’s Rant” column, while the Fletch 4 gives his usual media analysis. Publisher/Editor I.J. Rosenberg General Mgr./VP Sales Eric Palefsky ART/CREATIVE DIRECTOR DJ Galbiati Senior Managing Editor Stephen Black In our cover story, Fletcher Proctor discusses the Braves’ prob- Asst. Managing director Fletcher Proctor 5 lems that led to their recent losing streak. Business manager Marvin Botnick SALES Chris Love Wes Caldwell Craig Sager writes about the Regions Directors Cup winners from BEAT WRITERS 7 the three classes that have completed their seasons. Stephen Black (UGA), Brian Jones (GSU), Sean Conway (Falcons), Joe Deighton (Dream), Ryan Caiafa (G-Braves), Robby Kalland (Hawks), Chris Lionetti (KSU), Fletcher Proctor (Braves), In our baseball, lacrosse and soccer beats, our writers give you Patrick Tighe (Tech) 8-9 the rundown on each sport’s state finals. STAFF WRITERS Ricky Dimon, Craig Sager Jr., Fabianna Blanco Team Scoop TO ADVERTISE IN SCORE ATLANTA: and Voices INSIDE AT SCORE Score Atlanta is looking for new sales associates PARTY AT PARKVIEW: The Pan- 404.256.1572 COVER design by DJ Galbiati as well as writing and graphic design interns. Cover Photos courtesy of the atlanta braves For sales positions, e-mail IJ Rosenberg at thers swept arch-rival Brookwood in the Copyright 2012 Score Atlanta Publishing, LLC. All rights re- and Sonny kennedy served. Score Atlanta is published every week on Fridays. Views [email protected]. For writing in- Class AAAAA state finals over the weekend

expressed in Score Atlanta are not necessarily the opinion of ON THE ternships, e-mail Stephen Black at sblack@ Score Atlanta, its staff or advertisers. Score Atlanta does not 6 Score List - Coach’s Diary - Numbers to win their second straight baseball state knowingly accept false or misleading editorial content or adver- scoreatl.com. For graphic design internships, tising nor is Score Atlanta responsible for the content or claims 10 Atlanta Dream e-mail DJ Galbiati at djgalbiati@scoreatl. championship. Matt Olson homered in each of any advertising or editorial in this publication. No content (ar- 12 GSU, KSU, UGA, Tech com. Feel free to call 404-256-1572 to speak game as well as winning Game 1 as the ticles, photographs, graphics) in Score Atlanta may be used for with someone about any of these positions. reproduction without written permission from the publisher. 13 Braves, Falcons, G-Braves, Hawks starting pitcher. Photo courtesy of Sonny Kennedy.

www.scoreatl.com | 3 columnists

loss of a starting catcher will affect any pitch- not find a rhythm because they are in then out ing rotation. seemingly before you can blink. I will be glad Bradley wasn’t the only writer ripping once, hopefully, Wes Durham and Tony Barn- THE the Braves. Jeff Schultz took a swing at the hart are back talking college football this fall. team, asking if the team could manage a “lit- tle less slapstick” in order to improve. Schultz SPRING FOOTBALL UPDATE … FLETCH was a little more forgiving in allowing for Have the dog days of summer already injuries, but his headline also noted that the caught up to you as you are anxiously await- Braves were suddenly lacking a clue. ing the arrival of football season? Score At- Local newspaper not holding back In most other cities the professional fran- lanta is here for you. We have been providing By Fletcher Proctor chises are held accountable for their actions, spring football recaps and 2012 season pre- and it is nice to see Atlanta trying to catch up views over the last few weeks. If you have ne thing that radio talking heads in our offseason’s first big move, there’s no reason with the Bostons, Chicagos, Philadelphias missed any of them on www.scoreatl.com or Ofair city joke about constantly is the lack to hold out hope. We’ve again been reminded and New Yorks. It is just going to be startling in the Score High School Sports Newsletter, of accountability the AJC holds the profes- that these are the Atlanta Hawks.” to see the transformation of our OTHER local you can check them out at www.gaprepnews. sional franchises to on a regular basis. De- Bradley then moved his target upon the At- paper in the process. com. We have added a special spring football spite years of coming up short of a second lanta Braves and the team’s recent eight-game recap section complete with our own original World Series title, the AJC never took a swipe losing streak. The team had struggled since sit- A LITTLE CROWDED … articles as well as articles from newspapers at Bobby Cox as radio personalities such as ting atop the NL East as recently as two weeks Have you checked out 790 The Zone’s across the state, breaking down how teams’ 790 The Zone’s Mike Bell did. Despite early ago, and Bradley jumped at the chance to turn new midday show The Red Zone, week- practices have gone as well as what they will postseason exits, the paper never took the Fal- the heat up on the Turner Field tenants. days from 11-2? If you haven’t, perhaps you be working on over the summer leading up cons or the Hawks to task. “The team that believed it had great should. I am a bit torn as to how I feel about to August kickoff. Be sure to check out the That has seemingly changed over the last starting pitching doesn’t have very good start- the show. I like more of Chris Dimino on Fri- spring football section on www.gaprepnews. few weeks. After the Hawks were bounced ing pitching,” said Bradley in his piece. day as he talks baseball, but the constant shuf- com today. You will also see coverage of from the playoffs and the ownership decided Of course he backed up his blog’s bold fling in and out of “panelists” or co-hosts (not Championship Month all over the site and re- to bring back Larry Drew, the new AJC hatch- proclamation with numbers and statistics, but sure what to call them) is a bit confusing. I cruiting news. et-man Mark Bradley bemoaned keeping he neglected to point out that the team’s skid know Ryan and Doug Stewart from their days Proctor can be reached at Drew with a story that said “in light of this coincided with a Brian McCann illness. The as the 2Live Stews, but the other people can- [email protected].

division champion, the Phillies, are current- home-court in the playoffs, but imagine where ly floundering at the bottom of the division the team would have been if Horford had re- with decimating injuries to several key play- mained healthy. We could have been looking at ers such as Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee, Ryan a possible third-seed for the Hawks, which, this RYAN’S Howard, and Chase Utley. There may not be year, would have meant a first-round matchup enough time in the season for Philadelphia to with a depleted Orlando Magic squad. return to its 2011 dominance. For the Hawks to take that next step, Al RANT While the Braves do have questions sur- needs to move to his natural position, power rounding their rotation, with Tim Hudson forward, and the team needs to work to find a slowly recovering from back surgery and legitimate center so that Al can be most effec- No panic necessary for Braves and Hawks Tommy Hanson struggling to find consisten- tive at the four-spot of the lineup. Zaza Pachu- cy, both guys have the ability to regain their lia and Jason Collins have been serviceable to By Ryan Caiafa form in order to keep the Braves in conten- the lineup for years but in order to compete tion. Combine them with MLB ERA-leader, with the NBA’s best frontlines, an upgrade is nother familiar scenario has unfolded have fallen on hard times. A multitude of in- Brandon Beachy, and the rotation remains for- necessary. The Hawks are certainly strapped Aonce again in Atlanta. The Hawks have juries to players like Freddie Freeman, (dry midable. Injuries to the lineup remain a con- for cash, so in order to add a formidable re- been handed another early playoff exit and the eye), Brian McCann, (flu-like virus) and cern, but when it’s at full strength, the team placement, the dreaded amnesty clause may Braves are struggling after another promising Chipper Jones, who is on the disabled list thrives and the bats are on. Michael Bourn need to be used and the most-likely candidate start. While it remains hard to be optimistic after a ground ball injured his leg on May has consistently remained one of the game’s would have to be Marvin Williams. as the playoff failures continue, it should be 18, have seemingly disrupted a team that best leadoff hitters, Martin Prado is enjoying While many would call for Joe Johnson noted that neither team seems to be regressing many thought could remain atop the National a renaissance year and Jason Heyward seems to be the amnesty casualty, that seems im- despite not being able to take that next step into League standings until October. Still, we are to be regaining his 2010 form. Atlanta fans probable due to his stature within the fran- their respective league’s elite. As we look to- still early in the season and this could simply must remember that this is a sprint, not a mar- chise. If Williams is amnestied, the Hawks ward the remainder of the 2012 season for the be a bump in the road in a very long season. athon, and that, when healthy, the Braves can would have roughly eight million to spend on Braves and next season for the Hawks, there is Every team in the NL East has its ques- consistently be the team that started out this an upgrade at the center position and, along still reason to believe that both of these teams tion marks. The Nationals, who are currently 2012 season scorching hot. with the mid-level exception, can upgrade the can remain competitive for years to come enjoying their place at the top of division, team’s enough to not only keep the team in without any major changes to be made. lack the experience factor. With young play- BUILD AROUND AL … contention, but to compete at the upper-eche- ers such as Bryce Harper and Stephen Stras- Regardless of what anyone will tell you, Al lon of the Eastern Conference. WHAT GOES UP … burg, the future in Washington is bright, but Horford is the backbone of the Atlanta Hawks. Caiafa can be reached at After a fast start to the season, the Braves are they ready for the big stage? Last year’s Yes, the Hawks made the playoffs and had [email protected].

4 | June 1-14, 2012 | Vol. 8 Iss. 11 COVER STORY

9.37 ERA in four starts. He was roughed up Freddie Freeman also was relegated to the repeated in his starts and averaged four in- bench after suffering corneal abrasions during nings per appearance. Opponents were crush- the Colorado series. He has been suffering BRAVES ing the 2011 all-star to the tune of a .411 bat- from blurred vision and dry eyes. When he has ting average and 17 runs in just 16.1 innings played, Freeman has struggled, going 1-for-17 DIAGNOSIS of work. with six strikeouts during the losing streak. Jurrjens wasn’t the only culprit though. Freeman is awaiting prescription goggles be- Mike Minor has gone 2-4 in 10 starts with a fore his full-time return to the lineup. Atlanta in tailspin after fast start 6.98 ERA. Minor has surrendered 13 home Brian McCann has also been under the runs in his 58 innings of work this year. weather, missing six games in the process. He By Fletcher Proctor Even Hanson hasn’t been his dominat- returned to the lineup Monday after backup Da- ing self this year. He leads the team with five vid Ross was forced out due to an injured groin. wins, but he was shelled on Memorial Day The injuries all mounted at once, and and has four losses to go with his five wins. with so many regulars on the bench with Beachy and Hudson have been the bright various ailments, the deep bench that gen- spots for the rotation this year as Hudson eral manager Frank Wren put together was has won half of his starts while Beachy has suddenly sapped with backups forced into five wins. But both have lost during this los- regular action. Eric Hinske has spent time in ing streak as neither has gotten much help in the outfield and at first base during the losing terms of run support. Beachy has also seen his skid, though he is hitting just .246 this season. league-best ERA increase from 1.33 to 1.77 after giving up three home runs against Cin- MOVING FORWARD … cinnati. Hudson, meanwhile, gave up seven So what happens now? How do the runs in a loss to Washington. Braves shake this funk they sit in and once The bullpen has also struggled after ap- again challenge for a spot in the postseason? pearing to be a strength entering the year. One thing to remember is that the Braves sit While 2011 NL Rookie of the Year Craig just four games out of first place. The team has Kimbrel has converted 14-of-15 save oppor- struggled at home this season, but how often tunities, Jonny Venters has struggled to find do you see a team consistently tank at home the strike zone. The filthy left-handed set-up throughout the course of a season? The team man has appeared in 21 games, but has been has a nine-game homestand approaching the shelled for a .329 average and a 1.85 WHIP. week of June 10, so perhaps the Braves can Venters has surrendered nine walks and 25 start winning again on that extended stretch. hits in his 18.1 innings of work. Chad Durbin Despite the recent cold spell, the Braves has earned the ire of Braves fans by posting still have a positive run differential, which can- hat a difference eight days makes. team takes the field? Unfortunately, there is a 5.60 ERA in 17.2 innings of work over 22 not be said about two teams that currently sit appearances. Durbin has allowed 11 runs this ahead of the Braves in the NL East standings. When Atlanta left Tampa Bay to head no short answer to solve the riddle that is an W year, surpassed by Livan Hernandez’s 12 The offense should receive a boost now north to Cincinnati on May 20, the Braves eight-game losing streak. earned runs and .303 average in 29.1 innings that McCann has returned to the lineup. Mc- had just taken two of three from one of the of work. Hernandez has given up 33 hits. Cann is a six-time all-star that also won the American League’s best teams in a building PITCHING WOES … Cristhian Martinez is also struggling with a last four Silver Slugger awards for National where visitors rarely find success. The Braves Many people looked at the Atlanta ro- 4.05 ERA. League catchers and five of the last six. As- were winners of three of their previous four tation entering the season and thought this suming Freeman finally receives his prescrip- with just a four-game series against the Reds would carry the team all the way to the post- INJURY BUG … tion goggles, the Braves first baseman will blocking an extended home stand. season. The rotation had former all-stars Tim It would be easy to point the finger at look to return to his pre-condition form when The Reds, however, swept the four-game Hudson and Jair Jurrjens headlining with the injury bug that has bitten the Braves hard he was hammering balls out of the park and set with the Braves, and then the Nationals Hanson backing them up as a strong No. 3. of late, but that is no excuse as every team registering a .303 batting average. took three straight from Atlanta in Turner Brandon Beachy tasted some success last experiences injuries throughout a 162-game The onus is on manager Fredi Gon- Field. St. Louis ensured it was a bad Memori- year and Mike Minor looked sharp through- schedule. The injuries have all come at once zalez to weather the storm and ride out this al Day by taking out Tommy Hanson and the out all of spring training. The fans were even for Atlanta, though it seems. Chipper Jones rough patch. If Gonzalez can keep the staff rest of the pitching staff 8-2 this past Monday. excited about Randall Delgado, who was was the first to go down for an extended pe- cobbled together until the offense returns to What has happened to the Braves to go pitching like he didn’t want to call Gwinnett riod of time after taking a line drive off of his full strength, perhaps the Braves can still be from first place in the NL East with a 1.5- home ever again. ankle. Jones had been missing games due to within striking distance of a playoff berth game lead to dead last in the NL East in a The script was quickly rewritten and not travel and a balky knee, but the ankle injury come September. stretch of just eight days? How did things for the better. recently required surgery to help alleviate the Photo of Brian McCann and Tim Hudson turn so quickly that Braves fans feel like they Jurrjens was demoted to Class AAA- pain for Jones. The team is 19-5 with Jones in courtesy of the Atlanta Braves. Proctor can are drinking expired milk whenever the home Gwinnett after posting an 0-2 record with a the lineup this season. be reached at [email protected].

www.scoreatl.com | 5 our thoughts

Martin Prado Tech Baseball Coaches on Playoffs With the SEC football meetings con- With Michael Bourn in a slump and big The Yellow Jackets barely quali- fied for the eight-team ACC tour- cluding in Destin this week, coaches bats missing (see below), Prado has nament. Then, all they did was from the nation’s premier power conference are suggesting a playoff been the Braves’ steady offensive force go out and grab the big trophy in that rewards excellence on the field, lately. Prado is the consummate No. 2 Greensboro. This week they face not based on geography. College hitter with patience, a little pop and a little a tough regional with top-seeded fans need a playoff done the right Thumbs up TO Florida as host. Tech won’t be in- way. For much of the last decade, speed. His defensive versatility is also a timidated after going undefeated the SEC has had at least two of the CONSISTANT HITTERS huge plus and saves a roster spot. last weekend, though. country’s elite teams. Reward us.

NHL Playoffs The Unsigned Contract Braves Star Power Outage In case you weren’t paying atten- Head Dog Richt and the guys tion, the NHL finals are going on The Braves have really been missing their with the big wallets still haven’t stars of the past, present and future in now. One team is playing another finalized the coach’s latest con- team in a best-of-seven series … the lineup. This lineup won’t scare any- tract extension. The ongoing talks we’re pretty sure. The Winnipeg don’t seem to be a big deal, but body with Chipper on the disabled list, Jets (formerly the Atlanta Thrash- McCann’s mystery virus, and Freddie ers) didn’t make the playoffs. For after awhile, you start to wonder your hockey fix next winter, check what’s really going on behind the Freeman looking for help with his eyes. out the Gwinnett Gladiators of the curtain. Get it done, and let the Here’s to hoping all the team’s injuries Thumbs down ECHL up I-85. Bulldog Nation move forward. are resolved in early June. TO HOT SLUMPS Score crunching TRIVIA SANITY List the NUMBERS QUESTION AT LAST BY BRIAN JONES BY RICKY DIMON Which state of “I think it’s hard for FINAL FIVE: The GHSA baseball state cham- The Braves’ longest losing streak pionships took place this past weekend which marked the end of an exciting 2011-12 season for (ended on Tuesday) since April of me to think about a high school sports in Georgia. Congratulations to 8 Georgia recruit Parkview, Loganville and Columbus for bringing 2010 (nine) home championships. And congratulations to all conference game that the state champions from this past season. It has received 52 1 been a wild ride and it’s only going to get crazier Combined games missed by Chipper next year, especially with a new classification doesn’t count.” making its debut. 40 Jones, Freddie Freeman and Brian letters from BACK TO WORK: The Falcons were back McCann on the field this past Tuesday as they took part in - SEC commissioner Mike Slive their first OTA session. The story had to be Asante Samuel, who energized the team with his play. Georgia Tech in on Steve Spurrier’s idea of He had a couple of picks during the workout and Home runs hit this season by Michael was talking smack in the process. This could be Bourn, already matching his career high making inter-divisional games the piece the Falcons’ defense needs in order to 5 take the next step. Samuel brings a swagger to the same day? 2 the defense, which is something it needs to earn not count in the respect from the rest of the league. Brandon Beachy’s ERA, still the best in Answer on Page 14 conference standings. WHAT’S WRONG?: That’s the questions 1.77 all of Major League Baseball fans have been asking about the Braves. They did beat the Cardinals on Tuesday to break an eight- game losing streak, the longest for the franchise in two years. The main reason for the struggles The Braves’ record against National is the pitching has not been as good as it was at 3-9 League East opponents this season the start of the season. But also Chipper Jones, coach’s diary Brian McCann and Freddie Freeman have been fighting injuries, which takes a lot of power and New Centennial football coach Jeffrey our staff. Coach Engel has been coaching on 3 runs out of the lineup. Let’s hope they can turn it No. 8 seeds that have won the ACC Carlberg is quickly putting his fingerprints the high school level for over 35 years. He around real soon. 1 baseball tournament (GT last weekend) all over the Knights program, and he has coached offensive line, defensive REALLY DONTE?: Another Georgia athlete has invited Score along for the ride line and linebackers and has served is arrested. This time, it’s basketball player Donte Williams who was arrested last weekend for pos- Georgia Tech’s winning streak heading during his first year at the helm. as an offensive coordinator and a session of marijuana. Williams was with a friend Here are highlights from last week. defensive coordinator. His coach- in a black Dodge Charger near Lenox Mall and into the NCAA baseball tournament officers noticed the smell of marijuana in the 5 After a very success- ing resume includes stops in Iowa, car. Both Williams and his friend said they were ful spring practice, we are now Kansas and Georgia. Coach Engel smoking marijuana and were arrested shortly af- 4 ter. I know it’s just a misdemeanor, but Williams Years since Georgia Tech made its working on our conditioning will hold several titles including has to be smarter than that. It looks like he will each morning with some 7-on-7 Coaching Staff Administrative miss a few games when the 2012-13 season be- 6 fourth and most recent CWS appearance gins for the Bulldogs. tournaments quickly approach- Assistant, Huddle Coordinator, ing. I have also been busy so- Recruiting Coordinator, Video and FORCEFUL WEEKEND: After spending the Consecutive wins for the Spurs after last two weeks on the road, the Georgia Force will lidifying the coaching staff, in- Scouting Coordinator. Perhaps the be back at the Gwinnett Arena this weekend to beating Oklahoma City in Game 2 cluding one interesting hire that most interesting thing about Coach face the New Orleans Voodoo and will also have 20 another home game next week when they face should help our program and give Engel is that he lives in Kansas. the Jacksonville Sharks. The Force are currently in first place in the American Conference South Teams that have gone undefeated us an advantage that many programs We are proud to have him on our Division, and would love nothing more than to get 0 throughout the NBA playoffs aren’t able to have. staff and know he will do much to help 5 on a run to end the regular season. For tickets We recently added Mike Engle to the Knights brand grow. to an upcoming game, go to Georgiaforce.com.

6 | June 1-14, 2012 | Vol. 8 Iss. 11 houses facing off on the gridiron. Walton, which NOT DONE YET … Directors Cups handed out in three classes received 90 points for being the state runner-up Eleven-time overall Directors Cup win- in football this past year, will face the Brook- ner Westminster holds a commanding lead By Craig Sager wood Broncos Aug. 25 in the late game of the over Blessed Trinity for the Class AA overall 2012 Corky Kell Kickoff Classic at the Georgia title, and Wesleyan leads the standings in the A t’s the end of another competitive year of talent and athleticism, the Directors Cup has Dome. The Broncos beat the Raiders 27-10 in overall title race over Darlington. Westminster’s IGeorgia high school sports and that means it’s become the flagship for school-wide athletic 2010 when they last matched up in the event. girls cross country and swimming as well as the time to crown our state’s top athletic programs. brilliance and achievement. The 2011-12 school year presented boys cross country, tennis and soccer have con- The Regions Directors Cup is a marathon of In AAAAA, Brookwood took its second Marist with a 12th straight overall title. In tributed to and built the Wildcats’ lead. state titles, combining the success of each sport straight overall title. The Walton boys finished Class AAAA Marist finished first overall, first The boys cross country and swimming for the whole school year to decide the win- second behind the Broncos and the Walton in boys, and second in girls over Johns Creek as well as the girls basketball team at Class ner in each class: A-AAAAA. Since the cup’s girls won the AAAAA cup over Brookwood which was second overall. Marist won state A Wesleyan has built its lead in the standings creation in the 1999-2000 school year, we have in part due to their state championships in titles in boys golf and girls cross country, and over Darlington and have the Wolves looking seen Georgia’s high schools battle it out for the girls cross country, track and volleyball. The pooled with their consistent winning sport-to- for their fourth straight overall title. right to call themselves powerhouses. Brookwood boys cross country and track won sport, they are on top once again. The Class A and AA baseball state champions There are 25 GHSA sports that count in state championships and, ultimately, Brook- St. Pius X. which had won the Class were not completed at press deadline, so the Direc- the standings each school year. Each school’s wood’s 1242.5 total points edged out Wal- AAA overall Directors Cup the past three tors Cup points will not be finalized until then. eight-highest scoring sports for each gender ton’s 1189.5 overall points total. In 13 years, years, was beaten by Woodward Academy The competition created by the Regions Di- are counted in the Regions Directors Cup Brookwood and Walton have combined for which claimed its first Directors Cup. Only rectors Cup has advanced Georgia’s high school standings. The sports that have under the eight Directors cups, with Walton owning five 52.5 points separated the two schools in the athletics since its beginning and continues to minimum of 65 schools participating receive of them. The two schools have also won five end, but state championships by Woodward grow just as as the high schools and talent do. half points. After the year ends there is a boys, of the past six cups. Academy in boys tennis and boys soccer con- Photos courtesy of the GHSA, Walter Pin- girls and an overall winner for each class The 2012-2013 school year will start off tributed valuable points towards the Atlanta ion and Ty Freeman Sager can be reached at based on these points. In a state bursting with with the two Class AAAAA athletic power- private school’s first title. 404-256-1572. high school sports

Frazier and Walton’s Stephen Wrenn, an out- fielder. Alpharetta’s Connor Jones is also a BASEBALL part of the UGA signing class. Jones is ranked by ESPNHS as the No. 21 pitching prospect NEWS in the country. Marist missed out on the Class AAAA crown this year, but could be in the hunt for Parkview defends Class AAAAA title another title next year with Anthony Sherlag By Fletcher Proctor behind the plate for the War Eagles. Sher- lag stands 6-foot-3 and is listed as the No. 8 t was an all-Gwinnett final four in the Class Christin Stewart had a chance to pad his new catcher in the country by ESPNHS. AAAAA semifinal round as Parkview Georgia career home run record. In the semifi- I Photos courtesy of Sonny Kennedy. Proc- faced Mill Creek and Brookwood tangled nal round, Stewart blasted home run No. 69 to tor can be reached at [email protected]. with Grayson. The Panthers swept Mill Creek tie Gainesville legend Micah Owings’ career to advance to the finals, but Brookwood re- mark. If Stewart, who signed with Tennessee, quired a Game 3. leaves the yard once more, he would own the In the finals, Parkview defended its Class all-time mark. The mark could be short-lived, AAAAA baseball championship with a two- however, as Loganville’s Frazier has 45 en- game sweep over Brookwood. Matt Olson tering his senior year and could pass Stewart tossed a complete game in Game 1, allowing with another season like his junior year, when just two unearned runs on five hits. He pro- he hit 23 home runs. vided a spark at the plate, crushing a two-run home run. Ryan Blanton provided two hits 2013 OUTLOOK … and an RBI. The 2012 GHSA baseball season was Lucas Sims threw a complete game for loaded with superstar talent like few we have Brookwood, giving up three earned runs on ever seen before. Players such as Appling seven hits with seven strikeouts. In Game 2 County’s Byron Buxton, Columbus’ Kyle Sims knocked a home run early for the Bron- Carter and J.T. Phillips and Brookwood’s cos, but A.J. Davis blasted a two-run shot Sims headlined a senior class that could have in the fourth to give Parkview the lead. The as many as six players taken in the first round Broncos rallied with three straight doubles of the MLB draft this June. Buxton, named to tie up the game in the sixth, only to see the Georgia Gatorade Player of the Year, Parkview recapture the lead with three in the could be the first overall pick in the draft. top of the seventh. Olson finished the day What will next year hold for high school with three RBIs and two home runs as well as baseball in the state of Georgia? Who will be the victory from Game 1. the stars and the teams that warrant follow- ing? Grayson could be right back in the thick LOGANVILLE LONG BALL … of the championship hunt as Austin Meadows Loganville took advantage of the long enters his senior season. The outfielder stands ball to capture the Class AAAA baseball 6-foot-3 and is ranked by ESPNHS as the top championship. David Mayo blasted a fifth-in- outfield prospect in the Class of 2013. He is ning, three-run home run to help the Red Dev- No. 2 on the ESPN Super 60 and has com- ils rally to take Game 1 of the best-of-three mitted to Clemson. Grayson had 14 juniors series. Loganville fell in the second game de- on this year’s team that reached the Class spite two more deep balls from Clint Frazier AAAAA semifinals. Taylor Burnett could as Greenbrier bashed four homers. also make some noise as a rising junior. In the rubber match, Loganville clubbed Parkview will lose Matt Olson, but the three more home runs. Mayo struck again as return of Ryan Blanton and Josh Hart could did Garrett Ford and Brandon Moncrief. The keep the Panthers in the conversation for a two-run home run off of the bat of Moncrief three-peat. Fellow Gwinnettian Logan Mose- ended the series as Loganville won 14-4 via ley is one to keep an eye on as well. The Mill the mercy rule. Creek rising junior is a shortstop with plenty of potential. HISTORY REWRITTEN … Redan’s Wesley Jones is the No. 31 play- At press deadline, the Class A base- er on the ESPN Super 60 list, and the short- ball championship series had not yet begun, stop is one of three players committed to the once the series began, Providence Christian’s University of Georgia, joining Loganville’s

8 | June 1-14, 2012 | Vol. 8 Iss. 11 HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS

ville 2-0 in the Class AAA boys soccer cham- pionship game. War Eagles goalkeeper Alex Robinson came up with seven saves in the soccer second half to lead his team to victory. Cam- eron Moseley scored both goals for Wood- NEWS ward Academy. CLOSE CALLS … Greater Atlanta Christian defeated Metro Atlanta dominates finals Blessed Trinity 1-0 in the Class AA girls championship game. Spartan freshman Dani- By Fabianna Blanco elle Marcano scored the only goal six minutes into the first half. n the GHSA soccer finals, eight out of the 10 after a 1-1 tie in regulation to win the Class Westminster edged Blessed Trinity in Ivictorious teams were from metro Atlanta. AAAA girls soccer championship. Whitewa- PKs after the two teams ended overtime tied The girls champions included GAC, Allatoona ter came into the game with high hopes after 1-1. Wildcat goalkeeper Andrew Freschi won and Milton from the metro area while Collins an unbeaten season, but after a nerve-racking the game with two key saves to help win the Hill, Lambert, Woodward Academy and West- contest, McIntosh was able to get its second Class AA boys soccer championship game. minster claimed titles on the boys side. championship. McIntosh was defeated by the First Presbyterian ended up as GHSA Northview and Milton met in the Class Lady Wildcats twice in the regular season, Class A girls champion, taking the title back AAAAA girls soccer championship game. 2-0 on Apr. 24 and 3-1 on Mar. 9. Bakawsu to Macon. Viking center-defenseman Kim- Milton finished with three goals in the final Kinteh scored four to help Lambert claim the Caitlin Alderman scored the winning goal in 17 minutes to take out Northview 4-0. The Class AAAA boys state championship. It was the first half of the game, leading her team to title was the first for the program and Mil- the first state championship in just Lambert’s a 1-0 victory. ton’s sixth state championship for the 2011- third year of play. Atlanta International school was defeat- 2012 school year. In the Class AAAAA boys ed by Aquinas 3-2 in the Class A boys soccer soccer championship game, Collins Hill beat TWO TAKES IT … championship final. Aquinas scored the three Centennial 3-1 for the school’s third title in Allatoona beat Columbus 2-1, claiming goals in the first half, then held on as Atlanta four years. Amiri Abraham scored the game- the first girls Class AAA title in program his- International scored two midway through winning goal and Emmanuel Raji added an tory. Willough Davis found the netting with the second half. Matt Moser led the way for insurance goal with 18 minutes remaining. 31:35 remaining to break a scoreless tie. Aquinas with two goals. Marcus Wade added This was Collins Hill’s fifth consecutive ap- Kristy Wise added what would be the winning another for the Fighting Irish. pearance in the state final. margin with a goal 13 minutes later. Photo courtesy of Mauricio dos Santos. McIntosh defeated Whitewater 5-4 in PKs Woodward Academy outlasted Gaines- Blanco can be reached at 404-256-1572.

high school lacrosse. The Longhorns finished with a 22-0 record and knocked off Pope for LACROSSE the second consecutive season, this time 10-7. Score Atlanta’s own, Stephen Black did a fea- ture story in April on the bourgeoning dynasty NEWS that is Lambert boys lacrosse. The Longhorns squad is manned by a Metro teams sweep championships team of community coaches who started this novice program only a matter of years ago. By Patrick Tighe Head coach Josh Sagel leads the team but in charge of X’s and O’s is assistant coach Rich he Milton girls lacrosse team throttled minster will have a tall order to repeat next year Wehman, a Navy All-American lacrosse star. Tthe Roswell Hornets 18-4 in the Class as the program loses 11 seniors to graduation. “We’ve been with the seniors for five AAAAA girls lacrosse state final May 19. years,” said Wehman. “We have a good nucle- The Eagles clinched their seventh state title BOYS LACROSSE … us of talent and they are hard-working, good in eight seasons. After Roswell jumped out Transitioning to boys lacrosse, Milton kids. I tell people we have good coaches, sup- to an early lead, Milton went on a 14-1 goal- achieved a state title in boys lacrosse thanks port from the administration and help from scoring run. to a heart-stopping 10-9 victory over the Las- the parents, but what really matters is talented Milton proudly sends off seven girls to siter Trojans. kids,” said Wehman. play collegiate lacrosse, as Amanda Lock- Lassiter made a mad dash to knot things Lambert will not shy away from any op- wood will play at Vanderbilt, Annie Ruland up at seven after being down 7-3 for the ma- ponent. They scheduled three out-of-state will play at Southern Cal, Elizabeth Bunn at jority of the contest. In overtime, Evans Lock- powers this season and even played some of Limestone College, Heather Harmon at Penn wood whipped a shot home to win another the top-ranked teams in the nation according State, Lauren Ragsdale at Notre Dame Col- title for the Eagles. Ironically, Lassiter senior to laxpower.com. lege of Ohio, Lydia Cassada at Northwestern Garrett Shank led all players in the match In the two state title games combined, and Melissa Teel at Richmond. with four goals. Lambert has outscored Pope 24-17. The In Class A-AAAA action, the Westminster Milton finished with the top ranking and Longhorns hold the nation’s longest lacrosse Wildcats clinched their third straight title in a 97.1 power rating on laxpower.com. winning streak with 42 consecutive victories. thrilling fashion. The Wildcats took out McIn- The Class A-AAAA brackets brought la- Photo courtesy of Rich Wehman. Tighe tosh 10-9, after rallying from a 6-3 deficit to crosse euphoria back to Forsyth County. Lam- can be reached at [email protected]. Ste- send the contest into overtime. However, West- bert is turning into a juggernaut of Georgia phen Black contributed to this story.

www.scoreatl.com | 9 score ATLANTA

can get stops and we can get steals, we can been good from NBA range. Koehn has a tal- get easy transition points because we have ent and it needs to be utilized more. So far some of the fastest people in the league on this season, the 30-year-old has played lim- DREAM this team.” ited minutes, but when she gets her chance to The 100 points were the most scored by shoot, she has been successful. NEWS the Dream in the regular season since July 27, 2010 when they scored 105 against Tulsa. HOME STRETCH … The schedule will be kind to the Dream Dream looking to bounce back WINNING FACTORS … over the next few weeks. Six of their next By Joe Deighton The turnover battle has been the overrid- eight games will come at Philips Arena. Both ing factor so far this season. In the win over of the road games come against very beatable he Atlanta Dream have struggled to a 1-2 From start to finish, the Dream dominated New the Liberty, Atlanta caused 22 New York turn- teams in Connecticut and New York. Tstart through the first three games of the York and notched their first win of the season overs while giving the ball up just 15 times. Atlanta will welcome the Chicago Sky season. Both losses came against Indiana, 100-74. Atlanta jumped out of the box to take In both losses to Indiana, the Dream lost the on Saturday. Last year, Atlanta won three out which looks like the top team in the WNBA a 15-point halftime lead behind guard Angel turnover margin. Even though the Dream of four against Chicago, including both home so far. The concern is how the Dream will McCoughtry, who finished the game with 23 came out with a win in the home opener, 15 matchups. Chicago’s roster has two names compete against good teams. points, seven assists, five rebounds and six turnovers are too many and that has to be ad- familiar to college basketball fans in Swin Atlanta has made the WNBA Finals the steals. McCoughtry’s overall game carried the justed going forward. Cash and Ruth Riley. Cash starred at the Uni- past two seasons, so the team is very much Dream to the blowout win, and she feels the As both McCoughtry and Harding men- versity of Connecticut, leading the Huskies to the “hunted” team in the Eastern Conference. team must get out to fast starts in ever game. tioned, the transition game is very important NCAA titles in 2000 and 2002. She has been Every team that faces the Dream this year will “We’re a running team,” McCoughtry to Atlanta’s game. Fastbreak points are key, one of the WNBA’s best players since enter- be looking to knock them off their pedestal. told the AP. “We’re athletic. Once we’re on a and in the win over New York, both Mc- ing the league in 2002, winning two WNBA However, in 2011, Atlanta lost its first three roll, I think we’ll be unstoppable.” Coughtry and Harding were getting easy lay- All-Star MVPs. games and nine of its first 12, only to recover Point guard Lindsey Harding added 19 ups throughout the game. Atlanta scored 17 Riley is the greatest player in Notre Dame and make a run to the Finals. points, five rebounds and three assists.Hard- points in transition off turnovers. women’s basketball history. She finished her ing also believes that the Dream have to run Laurie Koehn was signed as a free- college career as the school’s all-time leader HOME OPENER … and get points quickly in order to win. agent this year for one reason and that was in points, rebounds, assists and blocks. Riley The Dream raised their 2011 Eastern “Our motto is run with the Dream, and her stellar outside shooting. Against New and Cash were teammates in Detroit, winning Conference championship banner before fac- that’s something we do very well,” Harding York, Koehn hit 3-of-5 three-point shots and titles in 2003 and 2006. ing the visiting New York Liberty at Philips told the AP. “We create a lot of offense off finished with nine points. One of the three- Deighton can be reached at Arena in the home opener last Friday night. of our defense. If we can get rebounds, if we point bombs was so far out, it would have [email protected].

10 | June 1-14, 2012 | Vol. 8 Iss. 11 score more

www.scoreatl.com | 11 COLLEGE SPORTS PANTHER owl PROWL outlook CAA honors diamond standouts Owls reach Atlantic Sun title game By Brian Jones By Chris Lionetti he baseball team did not have the season lyn Medlam made the second team. Coleman, he Diamond Owls made school his- meter hurdles with a time of 13.75 to qualify they desired, but there were a few standout Christy and Nowacki also made the CAA All- tory when they reached the Atlantic Sun for the NCAA Championships in Des Moines, Tplayers that will be key to the Panthers’ success Rookie team. TChampionship game against Belmont over Iowa. The time was also a school record. moving forward. Junior third baseman Drew The Lady Panthers finished with a 38- the weekend. The Owls fell 10-4 to the Bru- The Owls Men’s 4x100 relay time narrowly Shields was named to the Sports Madness All- 18 record, their seventh consecutive winning ins, who sealed their second consecutive title. missed qualifying for the championship with Colonial Athletic Association second team and season. Their .679 winning percentage is the Kennesaw’s offense was powered by Max a time of 40.34. The time was a school record freshman shortstop Caden Bailey was named to second-best in school history behind only the Pentecost and Ronnie Freeman, who got the but fell .27 seconds short of a qualifying time. the CAA All-Rookie team last week. 1993 season when the Lady Panthers went team on the board with their first two runs of Shields batted .303 on the year with 60 39-16 (.709). the game. The tide would turn in the fifth in- LLANES HIRED … hits, 17 RBIs and 34 runs scored. In his last two ning when the Bruins scored four runs to gain The Owls recently named Kristina Llanes seasons, Shields has hit .311 for the Panthers. THE MASTER PLAN … a 6-2 lead that they would not relinquish. the first coach of their women’s lacrosse team. Bailey led the Panthers with a .315 batting aver- Georgia State fans got good news this Even though the season ended in a loss, Llanes comes to the Owls with seven years of age, a .376 on-base percentage, while also driv- past week. The officials submitted the NCAA the team can take solace in the fact that it coaching experience and was most recently the ing in 16 runs and scoring 28 times. He is one of application to reclassify from FCS to FBS. notched a program-record 34 wins this season. head coach at Presbyterian College. She spent five players named to the All-Rookie squad that Also, a master plan is in place for new athletic Freeman, who batted .300 during the course three years at Presbyterian and churned out four batted over .300 this past season. facilities, which will be officially announced of the tournament, received A-Sun All-Tour- National Lacrosse Conference All-Conference over the summer. nament honors along with two of his team- selections and severn All-Academic selections. TRADITION OF EXCELLENCE … The FBS packet that was mailed to the mates. Aaron Dobbs batted .409 during the She also coached the Blue Hose to the best re- The softball team had better success than NCAA included an invitation from the Sun Belt conference tournament to garner his place on cord in the program’s history in 2011. Conference, a copy of the strategic plan and a the squad and Andy Chriscaden set a tourna- The team will begin play in the spring of the baseball team, finishing in second place ment record with seven RBI against FGCU to 2013 and play in KSU Stadium, a facility that in the CAA Tournament and finishing 75th check for $5,000, which is required. The NCAA receive his place on the all-tournament team. was named a “Facility to Check Out” by the out of 289 teams in the final RPI standings. will go over the plan in July, and Georgia State NCAA. A number of players were honored for their hopes to have an answer by the end of that HURDLER QUALIFIES … Finally, Kennesaw State alumnus Matt hard work as well. Paige Nowacki made the month. The Kennesaw State track and field pro- Nagy won his first professional golf tourna- NFCA All-Mid-Atlantic Region first team The strategic plan can be viewed on the grams enjoyed a successful weekend at the ment, claiming the Open Golf Atlanta Heron while Callie Alford made the second team. school’s website. 2012 NCAA Outdoor Championships East Bay Tournament last week. Lauren Coleman made the All-CAA first team Jones can be reached at Preliminary Rounds but no one more than Lionetti can be reached at while Callie Alford, Ashley Christy and Kait- [email protected] Kendal Parks. Parks finished ninth in the 110 404-256-1572. BULLDOG TECH BEAT TALK Diamond Dawgs end on sour note Baseball team wins ACC title By Stephen Black By Patrick Tighe he Diamond Dawgs were left out of the man team and Ruiz was named to the Com- he Georgia Tech Yellow Jacket baseball get through that thing 4-0 coming in as the TNCAA baseball tournament as the selection munity Service squad. Tprogram has accomplished many feats eight-seed just says a lot about my team and committee announced its 64-team field Mon- over its lengthy team history. Danny Hall and what they did this week. I can not be more day. Georgia (31-26, 14-15) ended the season SOFTBALL FINISHED … his squad added to that history, becoming the proud of a group of guys.” with four straight losses, including two in a row The Georgia softball team fell in three first No. 8 seed to win the ACC conference that eliminated them from the SEC tournament. games to No. 7 Tennessee in Knoxville over tournament. Tech swept all four games and BIG HITS … In the tournament, Vanderbilt gave Geor- the weekend. gia its first loss of the event with a 4-1 defeat. The Bulldogs dropped Game 1 3-2, put- clinched the school’s 26th NCAA Tourna- One of the biggest hits of the series came The Commodores went on to the final, where ting themselves in a deep hole to make up ment berth with an 8-6 victory over the Mi- from sophomore Zane Evans. In seventh in- they lost to Mississippi State. Coach David on the road against a quality team. Georgia ami Hurricanes. This is the eighth tournament ning with Tech leading 6-5, Evans blasted a Perno’s team managed just six hits against found itself down 3-0 after four innings, but title in program history, one short of Clem- two-run single to place Tech on top 8-5. Ev- two Vandy pitchers. rallied late to close the deficit to just one run. son, who has won the most. ans then posted the save for the Jackets. In the Bulldogs’ second game of the Christine Olney and Niaja Griffin each had After a strong pitching performance as “I didn’t anticipate putting him in that ear- tourney, Auburn eliminated Perno’s club 3-2 RBIs for the Bulldogs. Erin Arevalo threw all well as a big series with his bat, Jake Davies ly,” said Hall. “But when he went in the game, in yet another frustratingly close loss. Geor- six innings, giving up three runs on six hits. joins a fraternity of seven other Yellow Jackets the game was over. He dominated the game on gia fell behind 3-0 early, then scored twice in Arevalo was the star of Game 2, as the se- to be named the ACC Tournament MVP, with the mound and his two-run single gave us some the eighth to remain close. Conor Welton and nior from Lathrop, Calif., gave up just two hits the most recent winner being shortstop Tyler breathing room. You could just feel the air go Nelson Ward each had RBIs for the Bulldogs. in tossing a shut out. Georgia got the only run Greene in 2005. Davies was named the Nation- out of their dugout when he started throwing.” “I’m encouraged with what we have it would need in the third inning when Macie al Louisville Slugger Player of the Week going The Yellow Jackets will enter the Gaines- coming back, and we’ll see how many veter- Couey scored from third after a Volunteer error. 7-for-16 at the plate with four home runs and ville region as the No. 2 seed and will face the ans return after the draft,” Perno said. “I think The rubber game was another tightly- 11 RBIs. He pitched a career-high six innings, No. 3 seed College of Charleston Cougars. we’ll have a good nucleus, and we’ll need to contested affair as the Bulldogs took a 1-0 find a way to get the most out of what we got lead in the fifth inning when Gracie Goulder allowing two runs against the Hurricanes. No. 1 Florida is lurking down the road, but and hopefully have no setbacks.” scored on a wild pitch. But the hosts would “I’m just so proud of my team,” said Hall, Tech must win its opener. Tech is 2-0 all-time Georgia had four baseball players hon- score two runs in the six and hold on for the who improved to 4-1 in ACC title games. “I against the Cougars, defeating them twice ored by the SEC Tuesday, as Alex Wood, Curt win. Tennessee advanced to the Women’s thought they played great baseball all week. during the Super Regional at Russ Chandler Powell, Hunter Cole and Kevin Ruiz received College World Series. This is, in my mind, one of the toughest tour- Stadium in 2006. awards. Powell and Wood each made the All- Black can be reached at naments in the country when you have eight Tighe can be reached at SEC second team, Cole made the All-Fresh- [email protected]. great teams fighting for the championship. To 404-256-1572.

12 | June 1-14, 2012 | Vol. 8 Iss. 11 pro sports HAWKS FALCONS HAVEN FLIGHT Hawks bringing back Larry Drew New Falcon brings some swagger By Robby Kalland By Sean Conway he Hawks made their first move of the contracts have expired and major contributors aybe because these birds never seem to dium will get done for a new retractable roof offseason when the team decided to ex- like Tracy McGrady, Ivan Johnson and Kirk Msleep, the Falcons began their voluntary facility to be built in the next five years. The Tercise the option on head coach Larry Drew Hinrich are all free agents. organized team activities (OTAs) on Tuesday stadium will be on the property of the Geor- for the 2012-2013 season. Drew will return While the Hawks only have six players in Flowery Branch. Now, Falcons fans are one gia World Congress Center. The Georgia for his third season at the helm of the Hawks currently under contract, they remain over the step closer to September. Dome will eventually be torn down. after taking the reins from Mike Woodson in cap and will be forced once again to fill the re- The OTAs are voluntary, but absences are The estimated cost of the new building usually frowned upon. The notable Falcons is just shy of $950 million, but many experts 2010. The Hawks are 84-64 in the regular maining nine roster spots using veteran mini- missing this week are tight end Tony Gonza- agree that the actual cost will approach $1 season under Drew’s watch but have just an mums and what remains of the team’s mid- lez and defensive end John Abraham. Consid- billion. Atlanta hotel taxes would contribute 8-10 record in the playoffs, never getting past level exception. Hinrich would need to take a ering these two stars have played in (and put about one third of the cost to develop and the conference semifinals. Atlanta hopes that severe pay cut from the eight million he earned their bodies through) 27 seasons and 16 Pro build. Arthur Blank and the Falcons would Drew’s third season will be the charm to take last season if he is to return, and it seems un- Bowls between them, they’re better off away have to come up with the remainder. Tradi- the next step and get into the conference finals likely that the Hawks will extend contracts from the practice facility. tionally, this money would come from nam- for the first time since 1970. of the aging Eric Dampier, Vladimir Radma- The bigger story early on in OTAs is the ing rights to the stadium (a little help but not novic or Jerry Stackhouse. McGrady, Johnson, entrance of cornerback Asante Samuel. Sam- much) and the team. Bench Changes … Willie Green and Jannero Pargo each played uel is setting the tone with brash talk, and he’s The Falcons make money every year, so The Hawks have a number of questions well enough to deserve another contract for backed it up by making two interceptions (one they have some cash. They can raise more entering the offseason, and the makeup of the next season. Jason Collins is likely to receive off starting quarterback Matt Ryan) in the first money by increasing prices for tickets and bench is near the top of the front office’s to-do yet another deal to keep a warm body on the workout. Expect the four-time Pro Bowler to concessions. Personal Seat Licenses (PSLs) list. The Atlanta bench was one of the team’s bench to provide an emergency option behind give the defense an “attitude” and also increase are an option as well. strong points this past season, when a number Al Horford and Pachulia. The team could also the level of competition on the practice fields. No matter how this deal gets done, you of players stepped up into major roles, even add bodies during the NBA draft as the team After his first practice Samuel defended can expect Blank to be a responsible, consid- starting roles, due to injuries. The average his playing personality. “That’s what you’ve erate community leader. Expect the Falcons’ will select once in the first round with the No. got to do, put the bullseye on your shoulder organization to look at the big picture, and age for the Hawks bench this past season was 23 pick and once in the second round with the and step up to the plate. That’s how you get that certainly includes providing a compre- 31.9, and the bench struggled against the Celt- No. 43 pick from Phoenix. The team traded its better.’’ hensive pay-forward plan to neighborhoods ics in the playoffs to produce the same way as No. 52 pick to Golden State. and communities most affected. it did during the regular season. Aside from Kalland can be reached at STADIUM UPDATE … Conway can be reached at Zaza Pachulia, the other nine bench players’ [email protected]. In all likelihood, a deal for a new sta- [email protected]. CHOP Presented BY gwinnett SHOP braves Braves shake up starting lineup Remarkable comeback keeps train rolling By Fletcher Proctor By Ryan Caiafa he Atlanta Braves entered Tuesday’s home ROSTER MOVES … own five runs entering the ninth inning, the with the Pawtucket Red Sox for the best re- Tgame against the defending World Series The team tried to shake up a struggling DGwinnett Braves completed what could be cord in the International League, which of champion St. Louis Cardinals having lost bullpen and short bench by sending Kris described as a Memorial Day miracle, rallying course means home-field advantage during eight straight games, including four in a row to beat the Lehigh Valley IronPigs 9-8 at Cool- the postseason. The team is currently in the at home. The Braves’ woes began with a four- Medlen down to Class AAA-Gwinnett and game series sweep in Cincinnati before the promoting Constanza to the Major League ray Field. After Julio Teheran was roughed midst of a 10-game homestand at Coolray Washington Nationals swept a three-game set club on Tuesday. Constanza spent some up for six runs in just three innings, Gwinnett Field, where they have been among the best at Turner Field. The Cardinals then ensured a time with Atlanta last season and could see responded with eight unanswered runs behind home teams in the league. some action in right field after current start- the bats of Lance Zawadzki, who went 3-for- sad Memorial Day ride home for Braves fans er Jason Heyward had hit just .200 in the PAIR HONORED … in Game 1 of a three-game set. seven games leading up to the Constanza 5 with five RBIs and capped the rally with a The losing streak was snapped when promotion. In 2011, Constanza appeared in walk-off home run, and Ernesto Mejia, who Gwinnett pitcher Todd Redmond and Atlanta took advantage of home runs from 42 games for Atlanta, racking up 33 hits in also went 3-for-5 and scored two runs. first baseman Mejia were named International Michael Bourn and Dan Uggla to defeat the 109 at-bats (.303 batting average) and scor- Playing in just his sixth game with the Pitcher and Batter of the week, respectively Cardinals 5-4. The victory also ensured the on May 21 for their performances for the Braves the season series with St. Louis after ing 21 runs. G-Braves, Zawadski has started to make his Atlanta recently swept the Cardinals on the case to become a mainstay in the lineup, with week of May 14-20. Redmond posted a 2-0 road. Randall Delgado picked up his third NEW ARM … six RBIs in six games for the team, while Me- record and a 0.69 ERA during that span and win of the season, going 5.1 innings, allowing Meanwhile Medlen was optioned down, jia continues to hit at a scorching pace, lead- took home the honor for the fourth time in three runs. Jonny Venters’ struggles contin- not as a demotion but rather to prepare his ing the team with a .314 batting average and his career. Mejia became the second G-Brave ued as he gave up one run on three hits while arm for a potential move into the starting ro- 37 RBIs to go along with eight home runs. this season to claim the Batter of the Week pitching the seventh inning. Eric O’Flaherty tation. Medlen recorded a 3.86 ERA in 2010 The comeback victory was Gwinnett’s fifth award, with Stefan Gartell being the other re- pitched a perfect eighth inning before Craig when Atlanta won 13 of his 14 starts. Mike walk-off win of the season and also matched cipient for the week ending on May 6. Mejia Kimbrel struck out two batters to record his Minor, who has was in the Opening Day rota- its largest come-from-behind victory of the hit a league-best .464 during the week, which 14th save of the year. tion, has a 6.98 ERA in 10 starts and has al- boosted his team-leading average past the The game was significant not only be- lowed 64 hits and 47 runs in his 58 innings of season, as the G-Braves also rallied from cause it snapped the losing streak, but also work. Delgado has worked into the seventh eight runs down to beat Norfolk on April 11. .300 mark, while also driving in seven runs. because manager Fredi Gonzalez shuffled the just once since going eight innings against Despite a red-hot Charlotte Knights The sweep of the two weekly awards is the lineup a bit, batting Delgado eighth and put- the Philadelphia Phillies on May 3. team on their heels, the G-Braves continue first in Gwinnett Braves history. ting Jose Constanza in the No. 9 spot. Con- Proctor can be reached at to keep a strong-hold on the South Divi- Caiafa can be reached at stanza was 1-for-3 with a run scored. [email protected]. sion Lead. Gwinnett is trying to keep pace [email protected].

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14 | June 1-14, 2012 | Vol. 8 Iss. 11 around town

www.scoreatl.com | 15 1. Brookwood 6. Harrison 2. Walton 7. Peachtree Ridge 3. Mill Creek 8. Alpharetta 4. Milton 9. North Cobb 5. Lassiter 10. North Gwinnett

1. Marist 6. McIntosh 2. Johns Creek 7. Lakeside, Evans 3. Pope 8. Chattahoochee 4. Lambert 9. Kell 5. Starr’s Mil 10. Greenbrier

1. Woodward Acad. 6. Gainesville 2. St. Pius X 7. Oconee County 3. Allatoona 8. Veterans 4. Columbus 9. Dalton 5. Carrollton 10. Eastside

1. Westminster 6. Calhoun 2. Blessed Trinity 7. Morgan County 3. GAC 8. Bleckley County 4. North Oconee 9. Pierce County 5. Lovett 10. Buford

1. Wesleyan 6. Aquinas 2. Darlington 7. Holy Innocents’ 3. Savannah Chr. 8. First Presbyterian 4. Brookstone 9. Mt. Paran Christian 5. Athens Academy 10. Calvary Day School