SL1 Carolina Mudcats

Villanueva, Suns Top Carolina

Published on July 31, 2010 under Southern League (SL1)
Carolina Mudcats News Release


ZEBULON, NC- Elih Villanueva went six strong innings allowing just one run as the Jacksonville Suns picked up their third win in the series by defeating the Carolina Mudcats 3-1 at Five County Stadium on Saturday night.

Scott Carroll (L 3-6) got the ball for the Mudcats and was equally as sharp for Carolina (17-18) as he and Villanueva (W 11-4) combined to allow just three base runners over the first three innings, to keep the game scoreless until the Suns struck first.

Jacksonville (20-15) scored its first run in the top of the fourth as Brandon Tripp was hit by the Carroll pitch and scored two batters later when Lee Mitchell doubled him home and after four the Suns led by one.

The Suns added to their lead in the fifth and chased Carroll from the game, as for the second time in the game, Tripp was hit by a Carroll offering, he was doubled to third one hitter later by Vinny Rottino, and once again Mitchell roughed up his former club with a two-run double down the left field line and give the Suns a 3-0 lead.

But, for the third consecutive night Carolina mounted a rally against Villanueva as Kris Negron led off the sixth with a solo shot to left which pulled the Mudcats to within two. Jake Kahaulelio followed with a single and with one out, Mike Costanzo also singled to keep the inning alive and put runners at the corners. However, Luis Terrero struck out on a disputed third strike and Sean Henry bounced into a fielder's choice to end the threat for the Mudcats.

Still trailing by two runs in the bottom of the ninth, former Carolina Mudcat, Kris Harvey came on to try and earn his second career save. But, Carolina would get the tying run to the plate in the form of Sean Henry who came up following a Brandon Yarbrough walk, however Henry bounced to third for a double play and killed the Mudcat rally and gave the Suns a 3-1 win.

The series will wrap up Sunday afternoon with a 2:00 first pitch as Tom Cochran (7-5, 2.64) goes for Carolina while former major leaguer, Andrew Miller (1-5, 5.18) makes the start for the Suns.

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Southern League Stories from July 31, 2010


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