Smokies Lose Finale 7-5 to Suns
Published on July 19, 2009 under Southern League (SL1)
Knoxville Smokies News Release
Jacksonville, Fla. - Despite a four run first inning lead, the Tennessee Smokies (12-13) couldn't hold onto a lead and lost 7-5 to the Jacksonville Suns (15-10) in the series finale at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville on Sunday afternoon.
All-Star Smokies starter Casey Coleman (9-4) took a no decision in the loss and struggled with his control during four innings of work. He allowed a season-high six walks, and allowed four runs on five hits. Suns reliever Jay Voss picked up the win for Jacksonville, his first win of 2009.
Tennessee wasted no time in building an early lead in the top of the first. After Nate Samson scored on a double play ball hit by Marquez Smith, Blake Lalli hit a three-run home run to give the Smokies a 4-0 lead.
The Suns nearly retaliated in the bottom of the first, as they loaded the bases with no one out. However Coleman got out of the jam by striking out Mike Stanton before forcing a double play to end the inning.
Coleman also navigated out of a bases loaded jam in the second, but couldn't in the third as Lee Mitchell hit a bases-clearing double that cut the score to 4-3. The Suns tied the game an inning later, with Mike Stanton hitting an RBI single that drove in Ryan Klosterman.
Tennessee retook the lead in the top of fifth on an RBI single by Tony Thomas, but the Suns struck back in the sixth.
Facing Marcos Mateo, the Suns first tied the game on an error by first baseman Blake Lalli. Scott Cousins hit an RBI single that brought in Logan Morrison to give Jacksonville their first lead at 6-5. Jacksonville added another run in the frame, as Kevin Randel hit an RBI single to make it 7-5, as the Suns batted around in the sixth. Mateo took the loss for Tennessee to fall to 2-6 on the season.
The Southern League's saves leader Matt Peterson worked a perfect ninth for the Suns to end the ballgame, bringing his saves total to 20 for 2009.
Tennessee returns to Smokies Park on July 21 for five games against the Mississippi Braves. The series will span July 21-25, highlighted by Dale Murphy Night on July 23. Tennessee is the AA-affiliate of the Chicago Cubs. Mississippi is that of the Atlanta Braves. Tickets can be purchased by calling 286-2300 or by visiting www.smokiesbaseball.com.
Southern League Stories from July 19, 2009
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- Hill Deals Jaxx to 6-1 Victory in Series Finale - Jackson Generals
- Enright Wipes Out Barons in Rubber Game - Mobile BayBears
- Suns Take Finale from Smokies - Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp
- Jones Leads Braves to Series Win - Mississippi Braves
- Smokies Lose Finale 7-5 to Suns - Knoxville Smokies
- Braves Survive Late Rally to Hold Off Huntsville - Huntsville Stars
- Mudcats Top Lookouts - Carolina Mudcats
- Suns make transaction July 19 - Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp
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