The Mississippi Braves returned home from a five-game road trip Monday, but Chris Nowak spoiled the party.

Nowak hit two home runs and had five RBIs to lead the Montgomery Biscuits to an 8-4 win. Nowak hit a two-run homer in the first inning and a three-run shot in the seventh. His second home run made it 8-2 and put the game out of reach.

Eric Duncan went 5-for-5 with two RBIs for the M-Braves, but the rest of the lineup only managed two hits. Five Montgomery pitchers, none of whom went more than 2 2/3 innings, held the Braves in check. Reliever Rayner Oliveros (2-4), the second pitcher of the night, earned the victory.

Scott Diamond (2-4) lasted six innings and allowed five runs for the M-Braves.

Game two of the five-game series is tonight at 7:05 at Trustmark Park.