SL1 Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp

Leads slips, but Suns recover in 5-4 win

July 20, 2003 - Southern League (SL1)
Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp News Release


JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Suns blew a four-run lead in the final two innings, but prevailed thanks to Reggie Abercrombie's game-winning single in a 5-4 victory over the Carolina Mudcats in front of 3,421 fans Sunday at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville.

Abercrombie hit a hard one-hopper off Carolina second baseman Jesus Medrano's glove allowing Shane Victorino to score the winning run from second base in the bottom of the ninth. The Suns (48-50 overall, 17-12 second half) had previously relinquished a 4-0 lead entering the eighth inning.

In the eighth, Suns reliever Ryan Minor gave up a home run to pinch-hitter Chris Ashby on his first pitch and followed by allowing three consecutive singles. The Mudcats (56-40, 14-14) scored thrice in the inning to pull within 4-3.

In the ninth, reliever Greg Bauer allowed a leadoff double to Medrano who scored the tying run on a double play with no outs. Bauer (5-3) earned the victory despite blowing his first save opportunity in three attempts. The Suns have converted 19 of 22 save chances. The last blown chance was by Lino Urdaneta on May 26 vs. Carolina.

Mudcats reliever Frank Gracesqui (0-3) earned the loss after walking pinch-hitter Rodney Van Buizen and, later, Jason Repko. Victorino attempted to sacrifice Van Buizen to second, but Van Buizen was thrown out. With runners at first and second, Abercrombie ended the game on the hard-hit ball to the right side.

The Suns scored thrice in the first inning off Carolina starter Randy Messenger. Consecutive two-out, run-scoring hits from Brennan King, Victor Rodriguez and Mike Collins gave Jacksonville a 3-0 lead. Collins hit a sacrifice fly in the third inning to give the Suns a four-run cushion for starter Joel Hanrahan, who delivered seven shutout innings while allowing three hits.

Right-hander Edwin Jackson (5-6, 3.72 ERA) is scheduled to face Mudcats lefty Todd Moser (4-3, 2.89) at 7:05 p.m. Monday at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville.

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