SL1 Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp

Clutch hitting fails Suns in 5-2 loss

Published on June 19, 2003 under Southern League (SL1)
Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp News Release


SEVIERVILLE, Tenn. – The Suns' clutch hitting failed often in a 5-2 loss in front of 4,250 fans on Thursday afternoon at Smokies Park.

The Suns had multiple runners in scoring positions in four different innings, but stranded nine runners while managing four hits. Of the eight walks issued by Smokies pitchers, the Suns scored on none.

"It's frustrating as a manager because you can't go out and directly effect the outcome of the game," Suns manager Dino Ebel said. "All you can do is prepare our hitters to come through in clutch situations. No doubt about it we didn't get it done today, but I have faith in this team that they'll continue to improve in these situations all season long.

With the bases loaded and one out in the first inning, Brennan King scored Shane Victorino on a sacrifice fly. However, Smokies starter Jeremy Cummings worked his way out of the jam with the lone run. Cummings (7-6) allowed two hits over five innings to earn the victory. He received another two-run home run from Kevan Burns in the bottom of the first to give Tennessee (37-35 overall, 2-0 second half) a 2-1 lead. Burns also hit a two-run home run Wednesday.

Suns starter Alfredo Gonzalez (2-3) allowed four hits in a three-run fifth inning. Skip Schumaker, Caonabo Cosme and Bucky Jacobsen each had run-scoring hits. The Suns' bullpen of Jason Frasor and Greg Bauer held the Smokies hitless over the final three innings.

In the ninth, Smokies closer Mike Lyons loaded the bases after Derek Michaelis singled and he walked Gookie Dawkins and Tony Socarras. With nobody out, Smokies manager Mark DeJohn replaced Lyons with Jeremy Lambert, who pitched Wednesday, and he retired the Suns in order to complete his second save. Victorino's ground out to second resulted in Michaelis scoring the Suns' second run.

The Suns (31-40, 0-2) have lost three in a row.

Right-hander Joel Hanrahan (6-3, 2.38 ERA) is scheduled to face Smokies lefty Rick Ankiel (1-4, 8.91) at 7:15 p.m. Friday at Smokies Park.

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Southern League Stories from June 19, 2003


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