Jackson, TN --- In a historically dubious evening at Pringles Park, the Carolina Mudcats allowed a franchise record 20 runs during the longest 8 1/2 inning game in the 19-year history of the organization as Carolina was bludgeoned 20-9 by the West Tenn Diamond Jaxx.The Mudcats (15-27), who lost for the sixth time in seven games on their current 10-game road trip, saw the Diamond Jaxx (22-20) score six times in the second inning and six more times in the third. Zach Ward (L, 0-2) did not last two innings in the start, allowing his runs over 1 2/3 innings. Chris Kelly permitted six runs in his inning before being ejected, while Sean Watson yielded two runs in his 1 1/3 frames. Jerry Gil was charged for six runs over 1 2/3 innings before the Mudcats resorted to a pair of position players to pitch the final 2 1/3 innings. Outfielder Carson Kainer worked two-thirds of an inning before infielder Justin Tordi appeared on the mound for the second time during this road trip. Tordi recorded the game's final five outs.
West Tenn held a 15-1 lead after five innings, and pounded out 20 hits in its second straight win over the last-place Mudcats. Johan Limonta finished the night 5-5 with a walk to lead the Diamond Jaxx.
Meanwhile, Carolina played the 4-hour game over 8 1/2 innings, breaking the mark set on June 2, 2000 when the Mudcats endured a 9-inning loss to the Tennessee Smokies at Five County Stadium in exactly four hours.
The 20 runs scored by West Tenn eclipsed the club record, which was set in 1997, and then again tied in 1998.
Carolina entered the ninth inning trailing 20-5, but scored four runs in the third inning of relief work by Mumbo Rivera, who needed relief help to finish the game. Joe Newby recorded the final two outs to close the game.
Juan Francisco was 3-5 with three doubles for Carolina while Logan Parker belted a solo home run in the eighth.
The series continues Saturday night with LHP Tom Cochran starting for Carolina at 8:05 PM ET.
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