Suns Slip by Barons
Published on June 25, 2007 under Southern League (SL1)
Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp News Release
Birmingham, Ala. - James Tomlin recorded three hits and an outfield assist while Birmingham shortstop Kenny Perez committed three errors as the Jacksonville Suns (48-30, 7-1) defeated the Birmingham Barons (34-44, 2-6) by the score of 6-1 Monday evening at Regions Park.
With Montgomery's loss against Mississippi the Suns took control of the South Division second half race, now sitting alone in first place.
The Suns opened the scoring on Birmingham starter Jack Egbert in the first inning when James Tomlin recorded his first of three hits, an RBI double to left-centerfield that score Chin-Lung Hu to open a 1-0 lead. Jacksonville added another run on Egbert in the fifth inning when, with the bases loaded and two out, Alberto Concepcion bounced a ball toward Birmingham shortstop Kenny Perez for what seemed to be an inning-ending groundball. The ball took a wild hop and hit Perez in the face, allowing Xavier Paul to score on an infield single to open a 2-0 Suns advantage.
On the other side Jacksonville starter Alvis Ojeda evaded trouble throughout his five innings of work. Birmingham had men on first and third base with no outs in the first inning, but the next three hitters went down in order. The Barons again had men on first and third in the second inning, but with one out Michael Myers grounded into an inning-ending double play.
Birmingham again left men on the corners in the fourth as Myers struck out to end another threat. Finally in the fifth inning Suns right fielder James Tomlin threw Victor Mercedes out at home for the second out while Chris Kelly left two on base with an inning-ending strikeout.
The Barons finally got on the scoreboard against reliever Greg Miller when Donny Lucy singled home Jeremy Frost in the sixth, cutting Jacksonville's lead to 2-1. Miller put the side down in order in the seventh inning and put the first two men out in the eighth before issuing back-to-back walks and giving way Jon Meloan. The Suns closer struck out Michael Myers to end the eighth inning threat and preserve the one run lead.
Jacksonville then cushioned the lead in the ninth inning as Chin-Lung Hu singled home Xavier Paul to open the 3-1 lead. Cory Dunlap later singled home Anthony Raglani, who had reached the shortstop Kenny Perez's second error of the game, to extend the lead to 4-1. Alberto Concepcion next singled home Chin-Lung Hu for a 5-1 advantage. Kevin Howard then legged out a fielder's choice but shortstop Kenny Perez's throw to first for the double play try went wild allowing Dunlap to cross home and end the scoring at 6-1.
Jacksonville's Alvis Ojeda (3-4) pitched five shutout innings with seven hits, three walks and three strikeouts in the win. Birmingham starter Jack Egbert (7-6) allowed two runs, one earned in his five innings for the loss. Jon Meloan (15) entered the one-run game in the eighth and picked up another save.
The Suns and Barons play in game three of the series Tuesday at 8:05 p.m. ET. Suns RH Zach Hammes will face Barons LH Gio Gonzalez. Fans can follow the action in Jacksonville on AM 930 The Fox or online at jaxsuns.com.
Southern League Stories from June 25, 2007
- Purdom lifts Mudcats in 11 - Carolina Mudcats
- Suns Slip by Barons - Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp
- M-Braves Batter Biscuits - Mississippi Braves
- Purdom Sinks Smokies in Extras, 2-1 - Knoxville Smokies
- Stars Offensive Woes Return - Huntsville Stars
- BayBears Win 5-4 Behind Vasquez's Effort - Mobile BayBears
- Holliman named Pitcher of the Week - Knoxville Smokies
- Southern League Announces All-Star Game Coaching Staffs, Umpires - SL1
- Mason shuts out Braves, 7-0 - Montgomery Biscuits
- Southern League Hitter and Pitcher of the Week Awards - SL1
- Hu and Shoe Headed Back to the Futures Game - Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp
- Mason shuts out Braves, 7-0 - Montgomery Biscuits
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.
