Behind Elias, Generals Win Opener in Birmingham
GENERAL NEWS RELEASE Jackson‘s offense was 5-for-10 with runners in scoring position BIRMINGHAM, ALA. (June 13, 2013) – The Generals made themselves at home at the new Regions Field in Birmingham as Jackson (28-34), took care of the Barons (41-25) in the series opener Thursday. The Generals jumped out to a big lead early by scoring four runs in the third and two in the fourth. Jackson is now 4-2 on the season against the first-half champions of the Southern League. Generals‘ starter Roenis Elias (W, 3-6, 2.92) got off to a rough start in the first. In what seems to be a theme in Elias‘ starts, he gave up an extra-base hit to begin the game, this time it was a triple to Marcus Semien (2-3, 2B, 3B, R, BB). Semien would come in to score, as Keenyn Walker picked up an RBI groundout, and the Barons were in control after the first inning. Elias, who had not recorded a win since May 7th, settled in quite nicely though. His seven innings of one-run baseball kept Jackson on track. The left-hander gave up seven hits but struck out five and did not surrender a free pass. Elias got 10 of his outs via the groundball, keeping the ball low in the zone the entire night. Tyler Burgoon (3.00) was good for a scoreless eighth and Carson Smith (3.10) finished up the game in the ninth, surrendering one run. The majority of the offense for the visiting team came in the third. Leury Bonilla (1-4, K, SB), Jack Marder (2-4, 2B, 2 R, RBI), and Leon Landry (1-5, RBI, SB) all had hits and scored in the four-run third inning. James Jones (1-4, 2B, 2 RBI, 2 K, SB) and Gabriel Noriega (1-3, 2 RBI, K) both added multi-RBI efforts in the victory. The offensive impact can be credited to the key base hits with runners in scoring position. Jackson was 5-for-10 in those important opportunities Thursday night. The Barons were 1-for-7 in that same department. Taijuan Walker (3-6, 2.52) will get the ball on Friday night for Jackson. Nick McCully (6-1, 2.93) is the scheduled starter for Birmingham
