SL1 Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp

Suns Stay in First Place

Published on August 22, 2007 under Southern League (SL1)
Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp News Release


Jacksonville, Fla. - Justin Orenduff tied career highs in innings pitched and strikeouts while David Nicholson's second inning, grand slam homerun, the first for Jacksonville in 2007, led the Jacksonville Suns (76-52, 35-23) to a 5-1 Wednesday victory over the Mississippi Braves (62-66, 20-38) in front of 2,873 at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville.

The win assures that Jacksonville will at least stay tied for first place. Montgomery entered Wednesday tied for the South Division lead with the Suns. After Wednesday only 12 games remain in the second half, five of those between the two first place teams.

Jacksonville opened the scoring in the second inning against Mississippi starter Kelvin Villa when Alberto Concepcion blasted a leadoff homerun for a 1-0 lead. A.J. Ellis and Anthony Raglani then recorded hits before the next two Suns were out. Pitcher Justin Orenduff drew a two-out walk to load the bases for the top of the order David Nicholson. The Suns right fielder belted a high drive to right field that hit the top of the fair pole for a grand slam homerun, the first for Jacksonville in 2007, opening a 5-0 lead.

On the other side Orenduff set the pace by striking out the side in the first inning. Mississippi finally scored on the Jacksonville starter in the fourth inning when Van Pope hit a two-out bouncing single into centerfield to plate Diory Hernandez and cut the Suns lead to 5-1. Orenduff then settled in, putting down 10 of the next 11 batters he faced down in order, the only baserunner in that time coming on a one-out hit-by-pitch in the seventh inning.

The former supplemental first round pick tied career highs in innings pitched with seven and strikeouts with a total of 12. Orenduff allowed one run on three scattered hits with one walk. Cory Wade pitched two shutout innings to finish the game.

Orenduff (8-4) picked up the win while Mississippi's Kelvin Villa (8-10) fell in the loss.

The Suns and Braves meet in game four of the series Thursday at 7:05 p.m. Suns RH Alvis Ojeda will face a Braves pitcher to be announced. Fans can enjoy the last Thursday Night Throwdown of the regular season with Buds for a Buck and other drink specials. The first 1,000 in attendance will receive Pennzoil Thunderstix. Tickets are available by calling 904.358.2846 or by visiting jaxsuns.com.

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Southern League Stories from August 22, 2007


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