The R-Braves proved this week that they can be productive on the road.

Now, they just need to figure out how to win more consistently at home.

The first-place Braves — who completed a four-game sweep of the RiverDogs in Charleston on Thursday — open a seven-game homestand tonight when they face Savannah at 7 p.m. at State Mutual Stadium.

The Braves capped off the sweep by downing the RiverDogs 7-4 on Thursday night.

The Braves have struggled at SMS throughout the season, including posting a 2-6 mark on their most recent homestand that ended July 17.

Overall this season, the Braves are 19-33 at home, and in the second-half of the season Rome is just 9-8 at SMS.

But thanks to their strong work on the road, they will enter tonight’s action with a 2½-game lead over second-place Lexington in the Southern Division standings.

This seven-game home­stand will feature a three-game series with the Savannah Sand Gnats, and a four-game series with the Augusta GreenJackets.

For more on the Rome Braves, including a recap and box score from Thursday’s win, see page 3B.



Final: Braves 7, RiverDogs 4 (in Charleston, S.C.)

The turning point: The Braves took control early by scoring four runs in the top of the first inning.

Who did what for Rome: Chase Anselment and Ryan Query both went 2-for-4 and drove in two RBIs. Will Skinner, Ross Heffley and William Beckwith each drove in one run.

On the mound: David Stran earned his first win of the season after giving up just one run over five innings. David Peterson closed the game out to earn his fourth save.

Game notes: Rome now holds a two-and-half game lead for first place in the South.

Next Game: The Braves return home tonight for the first game of a seven-game homestand. Rome will host Savannah tonight starting at 7 p.m.



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