Suns Begin Second Half with 9-4 Victory
Published on June 19, 2013 under Southern League (SL1)
Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp News Release
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Kyle Jensen and Danny Pertusati each hit home runs for the Jacksonville Suns (1-0, 35-33), who began the second half of the 2013 season with a 9-4 victory over the Huntsville Stars (0-1, 29-40) at Bragan Field in game one of a five-game series.
Jensen's two-run shot was his Southern League best 16th home run of the season, while Pertusati's third long ball of the campaign was a three-run blast gave the Suns a five-run cushion in the seventh inning.
"We came out swinging the bats tonight," said Suns manager Andy Barkett following the game. "Just had some energy in the dugout. There's always optimism in the second half. It's a new beginning."
A sour note for Jacksonville came in the eighth, however, when outfielder and Marlins number four prospect Jake Marisnick was hit on the hand by a pitch and had to be removed from the game. The pitch struck the same hand that Marisnick injured during spring training.
"He had some swelling there," Barkett said of Marisnick. "As a precautionary measure, obviously, we had to get him out of the game, get some ice on him and get an x-ray and see what it looks like."
On the mound, Adam Conley earned the win for Jacksonville despite allowing a two-run home run to Brock Kjeldgaard and a two-run single to Hector Gomez. Conley picked up his team-leading seventh victory with five and two thirds innings on four-run ball, striking out five and walking four.
"[Conley] had chances to put that game away, really," Barkett said. "He threw the ball well at times, just a couple of mistakes...here and there."
The Suns, who struggled offensively over the final several weeks of the first half of the season, pounded out 11 hits, including three for catcher J.T. Realmuto. Shortstop Danny Black also finished with two hits, two runs scored and an RBI.
After beginning the second half 1-0, the Suns will attempt to make it two wins in a row over Huntsville on Thursday in game two of the series. Jacksonville's starting pitcher has not yet been determined, while the Stars will send right-hander Ariel Pena (5-5, 3.00) to the mound. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. E.T.
Suns fans can listen to Thursday's game on the Suns Baseball Network, 94.1 WSOS-FM or through jaxsuns.com, MiLB.com or the Suns iPhone or Android app, beginning at 6:50 p.m. E.T. with the UF Health Suns Pre-Game Show.
Fans can kick off the Weekend with the biggest party in town with Thursday Night Throwdown, College Night, Shriner's Night and Massage Envy Night. Enjoy Buds for a Buck and 2 for 1 Cocktails at the hottest spot in Jacksonville. Plus it's College Night. All college students get $5 General Admission tickets by showing their student ID at the Suns Box Office. Be sure to arrive early and catch the Pre-Game Shriner's parade and a special performance from the Shriner's Clowns, courtesy of W.W. Gay. Also stop by Massage Envy as their customers receive a special ticket offer. Sponsored by Massage Envy, Budweiser, Jim Beam, Absolut, Jagermeister, Maverick's, Buzz Magazine and 95.1 WAPE.
Southern League Stories from June 19, 2013
- Six-Run Fifth Not Enough For Generals In Loss - Jackson Generals
- Wahoos Open Second Half with 4-2 in Montgomery - Pensacola Blue Wahoos
- M-Braves Capitalize on Errors, Defeat Barons - Mississippi Braves
- Barons Hit Four Homers But Fall to M-Braves 7-5 - Birmingham Barons
- Stars Drop Second Half Opener to Suns - Huntsville Stars
- Offense Struggles to Start Second-Half - Montgomery Biscuits
- Lookouts Open Second Half With Defeat - Chattanooga Lookouts
- Suns Begin Second Half with 9-4 Victory - Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp
- Five-Run Fourth Powers Tennessee Past Chattanooga - Knoxville Smokies
- M-Braves Announce Ticket Packages - Mississippi Braves
- Wahoos Back in First Place, Open Second Half in Montgomery - Pensacola Blue Wahoos
- Suns Announce More Roster Moves - Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp
- Generals vs. Bay Bears - Game Notes - June 19, 2013 - Jackson Generals
- Generals Add Morla and Taylor from A+ High Desert - Jackson Generals
- Stars vs. Suns - Game Notes - June 19, 2013 - Huntsville Stars
- Suns Announce Upcoming Promotions - Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp
- Smokies Announce Roster Moves - Knoxville Smokies
- Suns Announce Roster Moves - Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp
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.
