SL1 Knoxville Smokies

Controversial Game One Ends in Suns Victory 6-5

Published on September 15, 2009 under Southern League (SL1)
Knoxville Smokies News Release


JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - In a game of numerous ejections and an extra inning, the Jacksonville Suns took Game One of the Southern League Championship Series with a 6-5 win over the Tennessee Smokies at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville on Tuesday night.

Chris De La Cruz hit an RBI single to end the game in the 10th, giving Jacksonville a 1-0 lead in the best-of-five championship series.

The Suns took the early 3-0 lead with a Kevin Randel bases clearing double in the bottom of the first. Starter Chris Carpenter responded well after the first, and finished the night pitching four and a third innings while allowing three runs on four hits with five strikeouts.

Tennessee countered with a double of their own, as Welington Castillo brought in a pair of runs in the top of the second to make it a 3-2 game.

The Smokies tied the game in the fourth, as Tyler Colvin's RBI double brought in Blake Lalli to even the game at three.Tennessee reliever Dustin Sasser got the Smokies out of a bases loaded jam in the bottom of the fifth, striking out Scott Cousins to end the inning. Sasser pitched an inning and two thirds without allowing a hit.

Randel was ejected after arguing a call in the eighth inning after striking out swinging. The Suns responded with two outs in the inning with a Brad Davis double that gave Jacksonville a 4-3 lead.

However the Smokies rallied in the ninth off of the 2009 Southern League saves leader Matt Peterson. Jonathan Mota's RBI single tied the game at four.

Mota was able to advance from first to third on two consecutive wild pitches, and then tried to score on a fly out by Russ Canzler. Mota tagged and then was ruled out at the plate by home plate umpire Chris Ward. Tennessee manager Ryne Sandberg was ejected arguing Ward's call.

After Marcos Mateo pitched a perfect bottom of the ninth, the Smokies took advantage of an opportunity in the top of the tenth.

After Ty Wright gave the Smokies runners on the corners with one out, Jacksonville intentionally walked Blake Lalli to load the bases. After Tyler Colvin struck out, Marquez Smith hit a single that scored Adduci to give the Smokies the go-ahead run. Wright was ruled out trying to score during the play to end the inning.

Brian Schlitter retired the first two Suns in order before Davis tied the game with a solo home run. The inning continued when Ryan Klosterman singled on a controversial call at first base. The initial ruling by the umpires ruled Klosterman out on the play to end the frame, but after an argument by Jacksonville manager Brandon Hyde, the Smokies were forced to go back onto the field to continue the inning.

Bryan Peterson followed with a single with another close play at the bag that allowed Klosterman to advance to third. The De La Cruz single ended the game, giving the win to Garrett Parcell with Schlitter taking the loss and his first blown save of the postseason.

The second game of the series is on Wednesday night with a 7:05 first pitch. Tennessee will start Jeremy Papelbon, opposed by Jacksonville's Graham Taylor

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Southern League Stories from September 15, 2009


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