Suns Lead Early, Hold on to Top Mudcats
June 2, 2011 - Southern League (SL1)
Carolina Mudcats News Release
Jacksonville, FL --- Jacksonville's Luke Montz's first inning homer led to a pair of Carolina ejections, and the Suns held on to defeat the Mudcats 4-3 before 5,126 fans at the Baseball Grounds on Thursday night.
Montz hit a long flyball down the left field line with two outs in the first inning, only to be ruled foul by third base umpire Will Thornewell, who raced halfway down the left field line before making the foul signal. After Suns manager Andy Barkett came onto the field to dispute the call, the umpires conferred, and the call was reversed into a two-run homer. Mudcats manager David Bell walked onto the field to hear the reasoning, then moments later, the discussion escalated, leading to Bell's ejection. Hitting coach Ryan Jackson appeared a few moments later, but was thrown out by Thornewell while Bell's argument was still ongoing at home plate. Pitching coach Tom Brown assumed managerial duties for the rest of the two-hour and 42-minute game, with Mike Costanzo overtaking third base coaching duties.
The Mudcats (16-38) scored a run in the third against Brad Hand (W, 7-1) thanks to a triple by Denis Phipps and a Kevin Coddington groundout. The game was tied 2-2 in the fourth when Phipps singled home Eric Campbell, who had doubled to lead off the frame.
Alex Romero hit a solo homer against James Avery (L, 3-7) in the fourth, then built the lead to 4-2 in the fifth on a single to left by Tim Torres.
Jake Kahaulelio hit a solo homer in the eighth to draw the Mudcats within 4-3, but Sandy Rosario entered to save his third game in three days, slamming the door in the ninth by striking out Quintin Berry.
Avery permitted four runs over five innings, fanning six in taking the loss. James Adkins pitched two hitless innings in relief. Tim Hamulack made his organizational debut with a perfect eighth inning, whiffing a pair.
The series concludes on Friday night with Tim Gustafson (0-0, 6.00) starting against Joey O'Gara (3-1, 4.70) at 7:05 PM ET.
Southern League Stories from June 2, 2011
- Generals Win Series and Boast Best Record of Season - Jackson Generals
- BayBears Stayed Tied for First, Win Fourth Straight - Mobile BayBears
- Stars Can't Hold Early Lead; Drop Series Versus Smokies With 3-2 Loss - Huntsville Stars
- M-Braves Come up Short as BayBears Take Game Four, 4-2 - Mississippi Braves
- Smokies Clip Stars on Thursday Night - Knoxville Smokies
- Suns Lead Early, Hold on to Top Mudcats - Carolina Mudcats
- Homers Power Suns to 4-3 Victory - Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp
- IF Miguel Rojas Heads to DL - Carolina Mudcats
- Madden to Disabled List - Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp
- Homestand Highlights - Chattanooga Lookouts
- First-Place BayBears Head Home Saturday Night - Mobile BayBears
- Andrelczyk to Triple-A New Orleans - Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp
- Generals Update - Jackson Generals
- Whittier College Professor Joseph Price to Sing Anthem at Huntsville Tonight - Huntsville Stars
- BayBears Rock Braves for Third Straight Victory - Mobile BayBears
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