SL1 Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp

Braves win in ninth, 8-6

Published on July 1, 2003 under Southern League (SL1)
Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp News Release


JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A two-run single by Kelly Johnson in the ninth inning propelled the Greenville Braves past the Suns, 8-6, Tuesday in front of 4,537 fans at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville.

Greenville (38-43 overall, 2-11 second half) had lost eight in a row. The Braves had relinquished leads of 3-1 and 5-3 to the Suns, but scored twice off reliever Greg Bauer. After James Jurries singled to lead off the ninth, Bauer intentionally walked switch-hitting pinch-hitter Lee Evans – who was activated from the disabled list Tuesday – and then walked Bryce Terveen on a borderline 3-2 pitch. With the bases loaded on a 3-2 pitch, Johnson ripped a fastball to right center giving the Braves the lead to keep.

Shane Victorino continued his torrid hitting for the Suns (37-45, 6-7). Victorino led off the ballgame getting on base – with a single – for the sixth consecutive game. He had singles in his first four at bats before striking out in the ninth. He has reached base in 21 of his last 29 plate appearances and has 15 hits in his last 24 at bats (.625). Victorino led off three innings with singles and dragged a bunt hit in the seventh to spark a two-run rally.

Suns starter Joel Hanrahan allowed five runs in five innings, walking four and striking out three. He was helped by consecutive inning-ending double plays in the second and third innings. In the fifth inning, Jurries hit a two-run home run off Hanrahan, who left after throwing 90 pitches. Hanrahan earned a no-decision. Bauer (3-3) took the loss.

Jurries went 4-for-4, hitting three singles to boot and walking once.

Braves starter Matt Belisle pitched six innings, allowed three earned runs and scattered seven hits. Roman Colon allowed the tying runs to score in the seventh inning, but earned the win in relief to improve to 7-3. Billy Sylvester struck out the side in the ninth to earn his fifth save of the season.

The Suns committed three errors, including two by third baseman Brennan King, who leads the team with 16.

Right-hander Tommy Farmer (5-6, 3.84 ERA) is scheduled to face Braves righty Bubba Nelson (6-7, 3.30) at 7:05 p.m. Wednesday at the Baseball Grounds.

Check out the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Southern League Stories from July 1, 2003


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.

OurSports Central