RICHMOND, Va. - Stephen Smitherman's two-run homer in the ninth inning Friday lifted the Louisville Bats to a 3-1 win over the Richmond Braves in International League baseball.
Jacob Cruz lead off the ninth with a single off Buddy Hernandez (0-1). Smitherman followed with a two-run shot over the left field fence.
Louisville starter Brandon Claussen struck out 11 and allowed an unearned run in the sixth inning.
Jose Sanchez (1-0) earned the win and Brian Mallette pitched the ninth inning for his first save.
