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SL1 Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp

Braves Take Game Two from Suns, 3-2

August 30, 2013 - Southern League (SL1)
Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp News Release


JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Despite rallying from a late one-run deficit to tie the game, the Jacksonville Suns (37-29, 71-62) dropped game two of a five-game series to the Mississippi Braves (37-29, 75-61) by a score of 3-2, sending the two teams into a deadlock in the second half of the Southern League South division.

A crowd of 7,568 fans at Bragan Field witnessed one of the season's most compelling games, as each team pitched ferociously through the first seven innings before each plating a late run. Ultimately, it was Mississippi finished on top, thanks to Jamie Pedroza's solo home run in the top of the ninth inning off Suns reliever Scott McGough (4-2).

"It's a tough loss," Suns manager Andy Barkett said. "But we'll regroup and come back and get it tomorrow."

Jacksonville jumped out to an early advantage in support of starter Anthony DeSclafani, taking a 1-0 lead on Austin Barnes' first inning home run. DeSclafani, however, surrendered the lead in the third, as the Braves forged ahead on RBI hits from Christian Bethancourt and Tommy LaStella.

Braves starter Ian Thomas made the lead stand, allowing just two hits over his six innings of work, striking out three and walking two. DeSclafani, meanwhile, did not allow another run after the third, finishing with seven strong frames on his record, registering six strikeouts and just one walk.

"I thought [DeSclafani] pitched great," Barkett said. "I thought he pitched well enough to win the game. It's a shame we lost. I couldn't ask any more from his performance."

In the eighth, facing reliever Pat Egan, the Suns stormed back to tie the score. Before the tying run crossed the plate, however, Barkett was ejected for arguing a close call at first base in which Brent Keys was picked off for the second out of the inning.

"I thought [Keys'] hand got in there," Barkett said. "It looked to me like he was safe. That was a crucial spot."

With two outs and the bases empty, Chris Gutierrez doubled down the left field line, eventually scoring the tying run on Barnes' RBI single.

The tie didn't last long, however. Pedroza's solo homer gave Mississippi a 3-2 advantage into the ninth. Braves closer Ryne Harper loaded the bases with two outs, but Keys grounded to second base to end the game.

As a result of the Mobile BayBears' victory against Pensacola, the Suns now sit in a tie for second place in the Southern League South, a half game behind Mobile and two and a half games back of the Braves for the division's wild card spot with three games remaining.

Jacksonville will go for its second win of the series on Saturday behind left-hander Adam Conley (11-7, 3.23). Mississippi will send right-hander Aaron Northcraft (8-8, 3.40) to the mound, with first pitch scheduled for 7:05 p.m. ET.

Suns fans can listen to Saturday's game on the Suns Baseball Network, 94.1 WSOS-FM or through jaxsuns.com, MiLB.com or the Suns iPhone or Android app, beginning at 6:50 p.m. ET with the UF Health Suns Pre-Game Show. The game will also be televised on the CW 17 in high definition in Jacksonville, with Roger Hoover on the call along with Suns owner and president Peter Bragan Jr.

Saturday is Halloween Two Months Away and Suns Cap Giveaway, Blood Alliance Blood Drive, & Steak Me out to the Ballgame. Fans should watch out for Zombies as it's the Suns' annual Halloween celebration at Bragan Field and the first 3,000 fans will receive an Orange and Black Suns Cap, courtesy of 1-2-1 Financial Credit Union, 96.9 The Eagle & First Coast News 12 & 25. Plus, fans can wear their best costumes as prizes from Dick's Sporting Goods will be awarded in the Suns Costume Contest.

The Blood Alliance Bloodmobile will be on hand and the Suns encourage all fans to donate blood. The first 25 donors receive 2 tickets to the game, a hot dog and soda voucher and a special Suns gift. Also enjoy SteakMe Out to the Ballgame. Fans get a tender 8 oz. bacon-wrapped filet mignon, baked potato, salad, non-alcoholic beverage and general admission to the game for only $25.

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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