ROME, GA – A towering home run by Austin Riley put Rome past Charleston 3-2 on Friday night.
The Rome Braves are now 2-0 after the All-Star break, with a come-from-behind 3-2 win over the Charleston Riverdogs at State Mutual Stadium. Just over 2,300 were on hand for “Retro Night,” and former Atlanta slugger Ryan Klesko was on hand to sign autographs.
Touki Toussaint got the start. Coming into tonight, he has had a stellar month of June. His ERA this month is a whopping 0.45. To say he’s adjusted after a rough start to the season is an understatement. Tonight he went 5 innings, with 6 Ks, giving up 4 runs (only two earned). Not great, but still improving. Touki has now only given up 3 runs in his last 25 innings.
The Braves were down 2-1 until a 394 foot bomb from Austin Riley put Rome ahead for good. It was his fifth of the season, and second in two nights.
Second baseman, Luke Dykstra continues to impress, going 3-for-4 Friday night. Dykstra’s only had one day this month where he hasn’t had a hit (June 12th).
For a full recap from the Rome Braves, click HERE.
Players to keep your eyes on:
Justin Ellison
Ellison’s been a little under the radar, given Ronald Acuna‘s early performance as well as Didder’s recent performance. But Ellison has had a better June than Didder, which has surprised many. Going into tonight, Ellison has batted .316 over his last 10 games.
Justin Ellison also hails from Columbus High School in Columbus, Georgia. Another guy, named Frank Thomas, went there.
Matt Custred
Custred is out of Texas Tech and this big Texan has one of the nastiest curveballs in minor league baseball. It’s also worth noting that he has the 3rd lowest opponent batting average of relievers in the league with .162. Custred still has some command issues here and there, but when his fastball is on, coupled with his huge curve, he’s lethal. He goes from a 93 mph fastball to a 71 mph curve.
