SL1 Jackson Generals

Generals Scorch Smokies in Series Opener

Published on May 31, 2016 under Southern League (SL1)
Jackson Generals News Release


Sevierville, Tenn. - The Generals picked up where it left off before Monday's off day, scoring 10 runs on 13 hits in a series-opening victory over the Tennessee Smokies Tuesday night in East Tennessee. Andrew Moore earned his first Double-A win behind seven solid innings, as the Generals extended their winning streak to six and won for an 11th time in 13 games. The team now leads by 8.5 games in the North Division.

The first four batters in Jackson's lineup combined for 11 hits and eight runs scored. Jackson (33-18) got off to a quick start, striking for two in the opening inning. With one out Benji Gonzalez walked and Tyler O'Neill reached on an error. Leon Landry and D.J. Peterson followed with consecutive RBI singles to make it 2-0.

Gonzalez's walk extended his on-base streak to a season-high 16 games, tying him with Steve Baron for the fourth longest on-base streak for Jackson in 2016. Thanks to his 3-for-4 night overall, Gonzalez is hitting .373 (22-for-59) over the sterak with a homer, seven RBI, four doubles, two triples, and nine walks.

Peterson's single extended his hit streak to a season-high 11, tying him with Ian Miller for the third longest on the Generals this season. Peterson went 1-for-5 on the night and is hitting .341 (15-for-44) with three homers, seven RBI, and three doubles over the streak.

In the third, Guillermo Heredia led off with a solo blast to left field. It was the second homer of the season for Heredia, who went 2-for-5 with three runs scored and a pair of RBIs to extend his on-base streak to 13 games. After Stephen Perakslis (0-2, 6.75) finished off the third, Tennessee (23-28) was forced to make its first pitching change to start the fourth.

Starling Peralta came in, but only recorded one out. The righty walked the first three batters, induced a fielder's choice, and then gave up a three-run homer to Benji Gonzalez and Jackson led 7-0. After Peralta gave up a single to Tyler O'Neill, Jose Rosario replaced him with just one out in the fourth.

The Smokies finally got on the board in the fifth against Andrew Moore (1-0, 3.60). The righty retired 11 in a row before Billy McKinney led off the inning with a solo shot to make it 7-1. Tennessee added an unearned run later in the inning to cut Jackson's lead to five, but Moore worked out of danger to limit the damage.

The offense got going again in the sixth, as Heredia and Gonzalez hit back-to-back singles to bring up O'Neill. The slugger promptly singled up the middle to score Heredia and extend his RBI streak to eight-straight games. Over that span O'Neill, has one homer and 12 RBI. O'Neill brought Gonzalez in with an RBI double in the 8th to give him 40 RBIs on the season, the most in the Southern League.

Andrew Moore picked up his first Double-A win in just his second start with the Generals. Last year's second round pick allowed two runs (one earned) on five hits over seven innings while striking out five and not issuing a walk. It's the 22nd quality start for Jackson this year in the team's first 51 games. Of the five hits he gave up, four came in two-run fifth. Moore also retired the side in order in four of his seven innings Tuesday night.

Ryne Harper pitched the final two innings in relief for the Generals, giving up a trio of runs in the ninth before striking out Chesny Young to end the ballgame. Jackson used just two pitchers on the night, while Tennessee needed five arms.

The offense has dominated over the current six-game win streak. After outscoring the Montgomery Biscuits 35-13 over the first five games of the win streak, Tuesday's 10-5 win means Jackson is outscoring its opponents 45-21 during the win streak. During the seven-game road trip as a whole, the Generals are outscoring opponents 49-26 overall.

Jackson looks to make it a season-high seven wins in a row on Wednesday against Tennessee. RHP Brett Ash (6-1, 3.75) looks to win his Southern League best seventh game and goes up against top Chicago Cubs prospect RHP Duane Underwood Jr. (0-1, 5.19). First pitch is scheduled for 6:05 pm CT/7:05 pm ET, and you can listen to all the action on the TJ Network (AM 1390, FM 94.1) and online via the TuneIn Radio App starting at 5:50 pm CT/6:50 pm ET with the Generals Pregame Show.

The team returns home for five games against Pensacola on Sunday, June 5! The opener is a Family FunDay Sunday, with children 12 and under getting free admission, ice cream, fun zone access and the chance to play catch on the field pregame! The series concludes with another State Farm Agent Wes Harris Dollar Night! General Admission tickets, hot dogs, popcorn, Pepsi products and select beer are just $1 all night long, and fans can upgrade to reserved seats for $5!

Get in on the fun at The Ballpark now! Give the Generals a call at (731) 988.5299, go online to jacksongeneralsbaseball.com or stop by The Ballpark to get your tickets now!

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Southern League Stories from May 31, 2016


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