SL1 Jackson Generals

Dowd's Eighth Inning Homer Lifts Generals To 8-6 Win

May 12, 2014 - Southern League (SL1)
Jackson Generals News Release


JACKSON, TENN. (MAY 12, 2014) - The Generals (16-22) snapped their four-game losing streak coming from behind to defeat the Tennessee Smokies (22-16) 8-6 Monday at home. Jackson used a four-run eighth inning, capped by Mike Dowd's (2x4, 2 R, 3 RBI, 3B, HR) two-run homer to come from behind and pick up win number 16 on the season. The Generals trail in the series to the Smokies 2-1.

Jackson got things going in the first inning for the second night in a row. Jamal Austin (2x4, R, SB) singled, stole second, advanced to third on a wild pitch and scored on Dan Paolini's (0x2, RBI, BB) sacrifice fly. The score made it 1-0 in favor of the Generals.

After the Smokies tied the score at 1-1 in the top of the second, Jackson retook the lead. John Hicks (1x4, 2 R, 2 RBI) reached on an error and scored on Dowd's first triple since 2012. It was also just Dowd's second triple of his career.

Dowd scored on a single by Nate Melendres (1x4, RBI) and the score was 3-1 Generals after two innings. However, the Smokies took their first lead of the game after another powerful fourth.

Tennessee's Rafael Lopez blasted a three-run homer to take the lead 4-3 to start the fourth. Charlie Cutler doubled and scored on a single by Jae-Hoon Ha. Jeudy Valdez doubled to score Ha and after a 5-run fourth inning, the Smokies led 6-3.

Jackson got one run back in the sixth when Patrick Kivlehan (0x2, 2 R, BB) scored on Leon Landry's (0-1, RBI) sacrifice fly and the lead was cut to 6-4.

That was the score heading to the bottom of the eighth with Jackson desperately needing some offense. With one out and two on Hicks doubled to score Kivlehan and Kevin Rivers (1x2, R) to tie the game 6-6. The hit also extended Hicks's on base streak to 15 games. After a pinch hit strike out by Patrick Brady (0-1), Dowd stepped back to the plate and launched a two-run homer to left field that proved to be the game winner.

Jackson starter Victor Sanchez made his first start since April 14th and took a no decision allowing six runs, four earned on five hits over 3.2 innings. He walked none and struck five including the Smokies' side in the third.

Trevor Miller (2-4, 3.98) made his first relief appearance since June 24, 2012 came in and picked up the win tossing 5.1 scoreless innings, scattering two hits. He struck out five and walked just two.

The Generals and Smokies will play game four of the five game set on Tuesday in Jackson. The Generals will start Trevor Miller (1-4, 4.58) and Pierce Johnson (1-1, 4.05) will be on the bump for Tennessee. The game is scheduled to start at 7:05 pm and can be heard on 96.5 ESPN, TuneIn Radio and jacksongeneralsbaseball.com.

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Southern League Stories from May 12, 2014


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