Braden Olthoff stellar for seven innings in win over Barons

MADISON — In their first game after the All-Star break, the Rocket City Trash Pandas put on a dominating performance on the mound and the clutch struck at home plate to defeat the Birmingham Barons 7-2 in front of an electric crowd of 7,004 people at Toyota Field Friday night.

The win ends the Trash Pandas’ seven-game losing streak throughout the season and improves their Southern League-leading home record to 31-12.

Trash Pandas starter Braden Olthoff got off to a good start on the mound, striking out the first eight batters he faced before a two-out double in the third from Alex Destino at the top of the third gave the Barons a man in goalscoring position. Olthoff got around the problem by getting a lineout from DJ Burt, completing a scoreless third inning.

The Trash Pandas broke through late in the third. Two walks and an error charged the bases with one out. Two batters later, Preston Palmeiro singled to center, tackling Braxton Martinez and Bryce Teodosio to open the scoring against Barons starter Jason Bilous (L, 4-7).

Birmingham clawed back a run in the top of the fourth when Jose Rodriguez started the frame with a brace and then scored on Raudy Read from short. An innings later, the Barons threatened to tie the game as Craig Dedelow doubled and advanced to third on one pitch. With a chance for revenge, Alex Destino pulled out, allowing Olthoff to ride through the jam with the lead intact.

Rocket City added over the next two innings to put the game away. Teodosio started the inning with a towering 431-foot solo shot down the left field line for his team-leading 11^e home run of the season. Back-to-back doubles from Zach Humphreys and Palmeiro tackled another to make it 4-1 after five.

In the sixth, Ryan Aguilar and Jordyn Adams started the frame with singles. Teodosio then laced a brace wide to left center, tackling both runners for a 6-1 advantage over Rocket City. Humphreys brought Teodosio home for a 7-1 Trash Pandas lead after six with a sharp single down the middle.

Olthoff ended his night the same way, getting a double play from Yoelqui Cespedes to erase a first single in a scoreless top of the seventh. In seven brilliant innings, Olthoff (W, 3-4) allowed just one run on four hits with one walk and one strikeout to earn his third Double-A victory.

Aaron Hernandez was the first out of the Rocket City bullpen and gave up a run in the eighth. Eric Torres finished with a scoreless top of ninth.

At plate, Teodosio and Palmeiro each led the way with a pair of hits and three RBIs, while Teodosio scored three of Rocket City’s seven runs. Humphreys and Aguilar each contributed two hits in the win.

The Trash Pandas (51-37, 10-9 second half) and Barons (41-47, 10-9 second half) continue their streak Saturday night. The first pitch at Toyota Field is scheduled for 6:35 p.m. Josh Caray will be on the call for 103.9 FM THE UMP and 730 AM SportsRadio. The game will also be televised on WAAY 31.6, This TV.

Following Saturday’s game, a dazzling fireworks display will light up the Rocket City sky, courtesy of Tyler Mann Injury Law. Saturday’s game will also feature the Tyler Mann Shoe Drive supporting HEALS, Inc. Fans are encouraged to donate a new pair of athletic shoes for K-12 kids, and anyone who will a donation will be entered into a raffle for a chance to win a $250 gift card to Academy Sports + Outdoors.