Willis shuts down Suns, 4-2
Published on May 3, 2003 under Southern League (SL1)
Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp News Release
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. â- The Suns managed three hits against top prospect Dontrelle Willis in a 4-2 defeat Saturday in front of 6,271 fans at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville.
Willis (4-0) earned the victory, pitching eight innings and allowing both runs, each solo home runs to Jason Repko and Reggie Abercrombie. Willis and reliever Jose Cueto combined to retire the final 10 Suns hitters in a row. Cueto earned his first save of the season.
In the third inning with two outs, the Mudcats (20-9) scored twice following a fielding error by shortstop Mike Collins. Successive hits off Suns starter Edwin Jackson allowed both runs to score â unearned â giving Carolina a 2-0 advantage.
Repko hit his third home run of the season, a line drive to right field, in the bottom of the third inning to cut the Suns' deficit in half.
Jackson (1-2) earned the loss after allowing two more runs in the fifth. Miguel Cabrera, the league's leading hitter, singled home Wilson Valdez with one out. Matt Padgett lofted a sacrifice fly to score Chris Aguila, which put the Mudcats ahead 4-1.
Abercrombie hit his third home run of the season, a towering blast to left center field, to cap the scoring.
Suns relievers Will McCrotty and Augustin Montero combined to pitch three shutout innings. The Jacksonville bullpen has not allowed a run in the last 17 innings, dating back to last Friday in Chattanooga.
The Suns (16-13) have won eight of their last 10 games.
Left-hander Eric Stults (2-2, 5.40 ERA) is scheduled to start against Mudcats lefty Ryan Snare (1-0, 4.80) at 3:05 p.m. Sunday at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville.
Southern League Stories from May 3, 2003
- Stars Win, Lead West by Three Games - Huntsville Stars
- Rays Pitchers Keep Orlando Rolling - Orlando Rays
- Willis shuts down Suns, 4-2 - Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp
- Smokies Blank Jaxx, Haren Moves to 5-0 - Knoxville Smokies
- Wainwright's one-hitter leads G-Braves - Mississippi Braves
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.
Other Recent Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp Stories
- Hot Stove Banquet Guest of Honor Andruw Jones Elected to Baseball Hall of Fame
- Mascots Scampi, Southpaw to Deliver Valentine's Day Packages to Crustacean Nation
- Jumbo Shrimp Invite Non-Profit Organizations to Fundraise at VyStar Ballpark
- Jumbo Shrimp Open Registration for Feb 11 National Anthem Auditions
- Raines, Ribault Resume Rivalry in Seventh Annual High School Heritage Classic
