SL1 Jackson Generals

Blackburn Baffles Biloxi as Generals Even Series, 3-1

Published on August 30, 2016 under Southern League (SL1)
Jackson Generals News Release


Biloxi, Miss. - Paul Blackburn was lights out Tuesday night, taking a shutout into the ninth inning as the Generals downed Biloxi 3-1 at MGM Park to even the series at two games apiece. The right-handed pitching prospect did not allow a run until the final frame en route to his ninth win of the season. Jackson remains a half-game back of Montgomery in the Second Half Standings.

The Generals scored some early runs, but Blackburn (9-5, 3.27) was the story for Jackson (37-26, 83-50) in the win. After giving up a pair of hits in each of the first two frames, he cruised through the next six frames. He retired 18 of 19 and 13 men consecutively heading into the ninth having thrown only 85 pitches. The righty, who the Mariners acquired in a deadline deal with the Cubs, struck out five without walking a batter.

For the fourth-straight game this series, Jackson struck in the first inning. With Benji Gonzalez at second base and one out, Tyler O'Neill laced a single to left-center to put the Generals up 1-0. O'Neill added to his franchise-record RBI total, driving in his 100th run of the season to get the team on the board.

Jackson added two more in the second against Jorge Lopez (1-4, 4.24). Ryan Casteel and Adam Law both singled to begin the inning before a wild pitch moved both men into scoring position. Tyler Marlette drove in Casteel with a single up the middle, and Ian Miller brought Law home with a sacrifice fly to make it 3-0.

It looked as though the Generals were on their way to a shutout in the ninth, but Biloxi (30-34, 69-64) finally got to Blackburn. Brett Phillips led off with a single before Nick Ramirez doubled to the gap in left-center to get the Shuckers a run. Blackburn came out of the game after becoming the second General to work into the ninth all season long.

Ryne Harper (S, 5) was able to finish off the victory despite giving up a single to Gabriel Noriega. With men on the corners, Harper induced an game-ending pop fly from Tom Belza to secure the win and earn his fifth save of the season.

Jackson spread the offense around, getting a combined 11 hits from seven batters in the contest. All 11 hits were singles, but the pitching made the lead stand.

Montgomery stayed hot, beating Mobile 3-0 to earn their ninth win in ten games. Jackson remains a half-game back of the Biscuits with six regular season contests remaining before the playoffs.

The Generals go for the series win in Wednesday night's rubber match at MGM Park. Bryan Evans (0-0, 5.68) makes his second start for Jackson opposite Biloxi righty Angel Ventura (1-4, 4.89). First pitch is set for 6:40 pm CT, and you can catch all the action on the TJ Network (AM 1390, FM 94.1) in Jackson and online via the TuneIn Radio App starting at 6:25 pm CT!

After the series in Biloxi, the Generals return to West Tennessee for their final home series of the regular season! Thursday, September 1 is a State Farm Agent Wes Harris Dollar Night, with $1 general admission tickets, hot dogs, popcorn, Pepsi products and select beer! Saturday, September 3 is the team's annual SEC Night presented by Tennova Health Care. The Generals will be giving out SEC football tickets throughout the night, and a lucky fan will also go home with a La-Z-Boy recliner courtesy of Coffman's Home Furnishings! Postgame, everyone will enjoy a fantastic fireworks display!

The regular season concludes September 4 and 5. The Sunday game is a Family FunDay Sunday, with children 12 and under getting free admission, ice cream, fun zone access and a chance to play catch on the field pregame! The finale starts at 2:05 pm on Labor Day! After the game, fans can enjoy music from the Pamela K. Ward Band and then fireworks to end the celebration thanks to WBBJ!

Get your tickets to see the playoff-bound Generals as they wrap up the regular season by calling the team at (731) 988.5299, stopping by The Ballpark or going online to jacksongeneralsbaseball.com

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Southern League Stories from August 30, 2016


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