Suns Falter in Late Innings, Lose 7-6
Published on June 15, 2013 under Southern League (SL1)
Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp News Release
JACKSONVILLE, FL - The Jacksonville Suns (34-31) could not hold on to a 6-0 lead and fell to the Montgomery Biscuits (35-33) in game three of a five-game series at Bragan Field by a final score of 7-6.
The Suns built their lead thanks to a solo home run by Mark Canha that broke a scoreless tie and a five-run sixth that appeared to give Jacksonville plenty of breathing room. But the Biscuits came roaring back with five runs of their own in the eighth and two more in the ninth to stun the Suns.
"It was like we were in the twilight zone late in that game," said Suns manager Andy Barkett following the loss. "Six-nothing lead, [Jay Jackson] was cruising, and the wheels fell off there."
Scoreless through the first four innings, the Suns and Biscuits finally broke apart on Canha's sixth home run of the year in the bottom of the fifth to give Jacksonville a 1-0 lead. The Suns then added on in a big way in the bottom of the sixth, sending ten runners to the plate against Biscuits starter Michael Colla and reliever Neil Schenk and scoring five times. Zack Cox and J.T. Realmuto highlighted the frame with RBI hits as Jacksonville appeared headed for a third straight victory.
On the mound, the Suns looked just as impressive. Right-hander Jay Jackson cruised through most of his seven full innings of work, retiring the side in order in five of the seven frames and facing the minimum amount of batters in six of them. But Jackson let the first three runners reach in the top of the eighth and departed after Montgomery had cut the Suns' lead to 6-1.
"I thought it was an excellent start," Barkett said. "He just got to a pitch count and we had to get him out after 100 pitches. The ball was coming out of his hand good."
With Scott McGough in the game, the Biscuits scored four more runs to pull to within one. Still leading 6-5 into the ninth, Jacksonville sent Michael Brady to the mound looking for his 11th save in as many chances. But pinch-hitter Cameron Seitzer's RBI single tied the score at six, and Kevin Kiermaier's sacrifice fly put Montgomery ahead for the first time all night, 7-6.
The Suns put the tying run on base in the bottom of the ninth, but could not score. The loss eliminated Jacksonville from the first half Southern League South division race.
The Suns will send right-hander Sam Dyson (3-5, 2.44) to the mound in game four of the five-game series against Montgomery on Sunday, opposed by Biscuits southpaw Enny Romero (4-2, 3.08). First pitch is set for 3:05 p.m. E.T.
Suns fans can listen to Sunday'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 2:35 p.m. E.T. with Suns Sunday on the UF Health Suns Pre-Game Show.
Sunday is a Day for the Dads with Bar-B-Q Oven Mitt Giveaway, Catch on the Field With Dad, Ed Randall's Bat for the Cure and Kids Run the Bases. Celebrate Father's Day with the Suns at Bragan Field as all Dad's get a BBQ Oven Mitt courtesy of Winn-Dixie & Lite 96.1. Plus arrive early to play catch on the field with Dad from 2:00-2:30.
Ed Randall's Bat for the Cure team will be on hand passing out information on Prostate Cancer Prevention. Check out the hottest rides from your Southern Ford Dealers, which will be on hand and be sure to stick around after the game for Kids Run the Bases, presented by VyStar Credit Union.
Southern League Stories from June 15, 2013
- Mobile Takes Third Straight over Pensacola 6-2 - Pensacola Blue Wahoos
- Lookouts' Homers Down Stars - Huntsville Stars
- Mobile Takes Third Straight over Pensacola 6-2 - Pensacola Blue Wahoos
- Suns Falter in Late Innings, Lose 7-6 - Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp
- Pitching Dazzles As Generals Shut Out Barons - Jackson Generals
- Biscuits Storm Back to Beat Suns - Montgomery Biscuits
- M-Braves Stumble 5-2 in Tennessee - Mississippi Braves
- Three-Run Eighth Leads Smokies to 5-2 Win Saturday - Knoxville Smokies
- Generals Game Information - Jackson Generals
- Wahoos Add Kennelly, Vicioso to Bakersfield - Pensacola Blue Wahoos
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