M-Braves Even Series with Generals after 11-2 Rout
GENERALS NEWS RELEASE The 7-game series is now even at 2-2 after 4 games PEARL, Miss. (August 9, 2013) – Despite scoring a run in each of the first two innings, Jackson (21-23) dropped game four of the seven-game series to the M-Braves (25-22), 11-2 Friday night. A seven-run seventh inning by Mississippi doomed the Generals in the loss. Jackson pounded out seven hits and Chris Taylor (four games), Julio Morban (nine games) and Jabari Blash (five games) extended hitting streaks. The 1 hour, 34 minute rain delay at Trustmark Park did not weaken the Generals‘ red-hot offense as Chris Taylor (2-5, RBI, R) led-off with a triple to open the game. In his first at-bat, Julio Morban (1-3, RBI) extended his hitting-streak to nine games and gave the Generals the early edge in the first after plating Taylor. Dan Paolini (1-4, R) and Jabari Blash (1-4) started the top of the second inning with back-to-back singles to re-kindle the first inning flame. Then, with two outs, Taylor laid down a bunt single that plated Paolini. Trouble arose for Jackson starter Anthony Fernandez (L, 8-6) in the second as the M-Braves responded with three runs of their own. In the inning, Fernandez surrendered two hits, a walk, and two earned runs. In the fourth, Mississippi tacked on another run that was unearned to strengthen their lead to 4-2. A missed opportunity in the fifth doomed the Generals. Two walks and a hit-by-pitch loaded the bases with two outs, however, Jackson stranded the bases loaded after a pop-out left the Generals empty handed. Tyler Burgoon (3.07) entered the game in relief in the seventh for Jackson and struggled. After a free pass to Mycal Jones, the M-Braves‘ catcher Christian Bethancourt capitalized with an RBI double to enhance the lead 5-2. The Braves tallied six more runs in the inning which included a three-run home run by Christian Marrero. On the night, Jackson‘s pitching staff surrendered five walks, 11 hits and nine earned runs which is a new team high. The seven run seventh also marked a new team high for an opponent in one inning (previous high was 7/27 at CHA). In addition the 11 runs by Mississippi ties a previous record of 11 runs by Jacksonville on May 2nd. With still three games to play in just two days, Jackson and Mississippi will play another doubleheader starting at 5 p.m. (CT) on Saturday. Roenis Elias (6-10, 3.19) will get the start in game one for Jackson opposite Michael Lee (6-8, 4.27) for Mississippi. Game two will feature Forrest Snow (1-5, 3.34) for the Generals against a to be determined starter for the Braves.
