Clutch Homers Send Suns to Fifth Straight Victory
Published on August 26, 2008 under Southern League (SL1)
Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp News Release
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - After a third inning, three-run home run from Russell Mitchell, Andrew Lambo smashed an eighth inning, three-run round-tripper, his first in Double-A, pushing the Jacksonville Suns (63-71, 30-34) to a 6-4 victory over the Birmingham Barons (71-62, 31-32) in front of 5,217 Tuesday night at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville.
Jacksonville has taken the first four games of the series while improving their win streak to five games. The Suns go for the five-game series sweep of the Barons Wednesday evening.
With the game tied 3-3 in the eighth inning, Birmingham gained the lead as Stefan Gartrell scored on passed ball against Suns catcher Lucas May to give the Barons a 4-3 advantage.
The Suns went to work in the bottom of the inning against Barons reliever Fernando Hernandez, who had pitched two perfect relief innings. Ryan Rogowski and Ivan DeJesus, Jr. started the inning with back-to-back singles, followed by a Jamie Hoffmann sacrifice bunt. Brian Omogrosso entered from the bullpen and induced a foul out for the second out of the inning. Andrew Lambo, promoted to Jacksonville on August 25 from Low-A Great Lakes, belted a first-pitch, three-run home run into the right-centerfield bleachers for the 6-4 Suns lead.
Late inning heroics capped off what had been a back-and-forth affair early.
Birmingham gained a 1-0 lead in the third on a Miguel Negron two-out bunt single, before Russell Mitchell's three-run home run in the bottom of the inning opened a 3-1 Suns lead.
The Barons tied the game on back-to-back, two-out solo homeruns from Lee Cruz and Brandon Allen for a 3-3 deadlock that lasted until the eighth inning.
Suns reliever Clayton Allison (1-0) a 2008 draft pick from the National Champion Fresno State Bulldogs picked up the victory. Barons reliever Fernando Hernandez (6-5) fell in the loss. Brent Leach (12) saved the game with a perfect ninth inning.
Suns infielder Ivan DeJesus, Jr. singled in the eighth inning to extend his hitting streak to 19 games, the longest in the Southern League during 2008.
Suns LH Cody White will face Barons RH Lucas Harrell Wednesday at 7:05 p.m. ET in the final home game of the 2008 season. Fans will receive Hank Aaron photoballs, sponsored by Comcast and Rock 105. Tickets are available through the Suns box office at (904) 358-2846 or by visiting jaxsuns.com.
Southern League Stories from August 26, 2008
- Mississippi's Magic Number Down to Two - Mississippi Braves
- BayBears Eliminated from Playoff Contention in Doubleheader Sweep - Mobile BayBears
- Diamond Jaxx swept in double header - Jackson Generals
- Final Home 2009 Game - Huntsville Stars
- Clutch Homers Send Suns to Fifth Straight Victory - Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp
- Carolina-Huntsville Suspended - Carolina Mudcats
- Stars and Mudcats Suspended - Huntsville Stars
- Smokies Game Tonight Postponed Due to Rain - Knoxville Smokies
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.
