SL1 Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp

Big Innings Lead to Huge Carolina Win

Published on August 10, 2007 under Southern League (SL1)
Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp News Release


Jacksonville, Fla. - An eight-run first inning and seven-run ninth led the Carolina Mudcats (51-67, 23-25) to a 19-3 blowout win over the Jacksonville Suns (72-46, 31-17) Friday night in front of 5,826 at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville.

The Suns entered Friday four games ahead of the Montgomery Biscuits in the second half South Division race. The loss was Jacksonville's largest margin of defeat in 2007. Carolina improved to 2-12 at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville during 2007.

The Mudcats shot out of the starting gate with an eight-run first inning against Suns starter Joey Norrito. The inning included RBI doubles from Chase Lambin and Grant Psomas, followed later by two Suns errors and RBI singles from Jonny Raburn and Eric Riggs. Only three of the eight runs were earned for Norrito. Eleven batters came to the plate.

Carolina starter Gaby Hernandez picked up the ball for the first time with an eight run cushion, but after putting the Suns down in order during the first inning he allowed a Cory Dunlap two-run homerun in the second to cut the lead to 8-2.

Jai Miller blasted a leadoff homerun against Norrito during the third inning extending the lead to 9-2, while Jacksonville's Juan Gonzalez scored on a two-out error during the fourth inning to make it 9-3.

The Mudcats got to Norrito for the final time in the fifth inning when Jai Miller doubled home Frank Moore and Jonny Raburn later single home Miller to open an 11-3 advantage.

Norrito left the game after five innings allowing 11 runs, six earned, on 10 hits with three walks and three strikeouts.

Carolina added a single run on reliever Brian Akin in the seventh inning as Ryan Bear's hit scored Brad Davis for a 12-3 lead.

Utility infielder Jimmy Rohan moved to the mound for Jacksonville in the eighth inning, walking two without allowing a run. In the ninth inning, Carolina started to hit him in his second pitching appearance of 2007.

The ninth started with a Rex Rundgren pinch homerun for a 13-3 lead. Eric Riggs later reached on an error and scored on Rohan's second consecutive hit-by-pitch, the second coming with the bases loaded, for a 14-3 lead. Frank Moore and Dante Brinkley followed with RBI hits for a 16-3 lead, knocking Rohan out of the game. Catcher A.J. Ellis entered the game on the mound and gave up a Brad Davis double, plating two more for an 18-3 advantage. Rex Rundgren's groundout RBI ended the seven-run ninth inning and finished the scoring at 19-3.

Gaby Hernandez (8-9) picked up the win for Carolina while Joey Norrito (7-3) got the loss for Jacksonville.

The Suns and Mudcats meet Saturday at 7:05 p.m. Jacksonville RH Zach Hammes will face Carolina RH Chris Volstad. The first 3,000 fans will receive a 1967 Nolan Ryan jersey pen and pencil holder, sponsored by Arlington Toyota, CW 17 and 102.9 The Point. Tickets are available by calling 904.358.2846 or by visiting jaxsuns.com.

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Southern League Stories from August 10, 2007


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