SL1 Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp

Suns Drop Game Two to Barons, 5-3

Published on May 24, 2013 under Southern League (SL1)
Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp News Release


JACKSONVILLE, FL - The Jacksonville Suns fell behind early against the Birmingham Barons on Friday and saw their comeback attempt fall short in a 5-3 loss at Bragan Field.

Birmingham jumped out to a 4-0 lead through the first two and a half innings thanks in part to a three-run second frame against Suns starter Sam Dyson (1-4) and never lost the lead. Jacksonville rallied but ultimately could not plate a run past the fourth inning in front of a season-high 8,490 fans at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville.

The Barons began the scoring after Dyson loaded the bases with nobody out in the second. Tyler Saladino drove in Birmingham's first run with a solid single, and Mike Blanke and Dan Wagner each followed with RBI groundouts to make it 3-0 Birmingham after an inning and a half.

Dyson got into further trouble in the next frame, surrendering a one-out double to Trayce Thompson, who later scored on Dan Black's RBI hit.

"[Dyson] left some pitches out over the plate," Suns manager Andy Barkett said following the loss. "Nothing glaring, [the Barons] swung the bats...He was able to finish strong and get through the fifth but the damage was done at that point."

Down 4-0, Jacksonville began to chip away at the Barons' lead in the bottom of the third against Birmingham starter Spencer Arroyo (4-2). Ryan Fisher reached on an error by Saladino to start the rally and eventually came home on Jake Marisnick's single into center field.

The Suns got even closer in the fourth when Fisher lined a single to the outfield that plated J.T. Realmuto. Chris Gutierrez then stepped to the plate and laced an RBI triple to bring Jacksonville to within a run at 4-3.

It was as close as the Suns would get, however, as Arroyo recorded a scoreless fifth and then turned the game over to a stout Barons bullpen. In fact, Jacksonville would not register another base runner for the remainder of the contest, going 12 up, 12 down against Jacob Petricka and Taylor Thompson. Thompson pitched the eighth and ninth innings to earn his sixth save.

"You're going to face guys like that in the big leagues," Barkett said. "Those are two big league arms. You have to tip your hat. They really did pitch well tonight."

The Barons added an insurance run on Dan Black's RBI double in the eighth off Arquimedes Caminero. The Barons' first baseman finished his night 4-for-4 against Suns pitching.

The Suns will attempt to regain the series advantage on Saturday in game three of the five-game set against Birmingham. Jacksonville will have a tall task against Barons starter Erik Johnson (3-2, 2.44), countering with right-hander Robert Morey (1-0, 3.53). First pitch is set for 7:05 p.m. ET.

Suns fans can listen to Friday'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. ET with the UF and Shands Suns Pre-Game Show. The game will also be televised on The CW 17 in Jacksonville, with the voice of the Suns Roger Hoover and Suns president and owner Peter Bragan Jr. on the call.

Saturday the Suns Salute the Navy with our Navy Blue Digital Camo Jersey Auction, J.T. Realmuto Replica Suns Kids Jersey Giveaway, Elvis Himselvis, Blood Alliance Blood Drive, Pre-Game Miracle League Game & Steak Me out to the Ballgame. The Suns will be wearing special Navy Blue Digital Camo Jerseys during the game as they Salute the Navy. These jerseys will be available for charity auction benefiting The Wounded Warrior Project and fans can win the jersey off of the back of their favorite player, courtesy of Navy Mutual, FOX 30 and 99.9 Gator Country .

Also, all kids will get a Replica J.T. Realmuto Suns Jersey. It's fans' last chance of 2013 to hear the musical stylings of Elvis Himselvis who will be performing all game long, brought to you by Process Master.

The Blood Alliance Bloodmobile will be on hand and the Suns encourage all fans to donate blood. The first 25 donors receive two tickets to the game, a hot dog and soda voucher and a special Suns gift. Before the game the Suns will host their annual Miracle League Game on the Field. Check out the hottest rides from your Southern Ford Dealers which will be on hand Also enjoy Steak Me Out to the Ballgame. Fans receive a tender 8 oz. bacon-wrapped filet mignon, baked potato, salad, non-alcoholic beverage and general admission to the game for only $25.

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Southern League Stories from May 24, 2013


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