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FCBL Worcester Bravehearts

Worcester defeats Generals

June 26, 2015 - Futures Collegiate Baseball League (FCBL)
Worcester Bravehearts News Release


Birmingham, Ala. - Jackson got on the board for the first time in 27 innings with a home run from Tyler Smith Friday night, but the Barons hit three long balls of their own to hand the Generals a 3-1 defeat at Regions Field. The loss was the team's fourth in a row, and Jackson has scored just two runs in those defeats.

The pitchers dominated the first four innings of the contest. Moises Hernandez struck out three in four scoreless frames, while Mark Blackmar worked around four base hits to keep Jackson off the board.

Jackson (0-2, 29-41) finally broke through in the fifth inning, as Tyler Smith took Blackmar deep to left field to put the Generals up 1-0. Smith's second homer of the year gave Jackson its first run in 27 innings dating back to Saturday's doubleheader.

The lead was short-lived, as Birmingham (2-0, 35-36) immediately answered in the bottom of the fifth. Danny Hayes, a collegiate teammate of Smith at Oregon State, hit a solo shot to right field tying the game. On the very next pitch, Rob Brantly smacked a homer to put the Barons up 2-1. Hayes led the way with three hits for the Barons.

Hernandez (3-3, 4.30) gave up another solo home run in the sixth to Brian Fletcher with two outs, putting the Barons on top 3-1. Despite the three long balls, the Venezuelan righty set season-highs with 5.2 innings and five strikeouts. It was his longest outing since a six-inning start for the Mississippi Braves in August of 2007.

The Smith homer was the only blemish for Mark Blackmar (2-4, 3.21), who gave up just one run on six hits in 6.2 innings. After starting the year 0-4, Blackmar has given up just two runs over his last 13.2 innings to earn his first two wins of the year against Jackson.

Jackson's best opportunity to make a move came in the seventh inning. A Smith single and a pair of walks loaded the bases, forcing Blackmar from the contest. Marcus Littlewood struck out against Raul Fernandez, ending the threat for the Generals.

J.B. Wendelken (S, 3) pitched a scoreless ninth to pick up the save. After a two-out single from Jordy Lara, Tyler Smith popped out to end the ballgame.

Smith, Lara and Miller each finished with two hits apiece, but Jackson's offense mustered just one run. They've scored two in their last 34 innings dating back to Saturday's doubleheader.

Brian Moran's strong return from Tommy John surgery last year continued with 1.1 scoreless innings in relief. The lefty has not allowed a run in six innings for the Generals, striking out nine without walking a batter. Matt Anderson gave up just one hit in an inning of work out of the bullpen as well.

Birmingham's three home runs were a season-high, and Jackson had only given up three long balls once prior in 2015. It was the first time this season that a team hit back-to-back blasts against Jackson.

Jackson will try to snap their four-game skid Saturday night at Regions Field. The Generals hand the ball to Cuban lefty Misael Siverio (2-7, 4.55), while Birmingham sends White Sox prospect Tyler Danish (4-4, 4.63) to the mound. Danish gave up a career-high nine runs in 2.1 innings in his last start against the Generals. First pitch is set for 6:30 pm CT on Saturday, and you can listen to all the action live on the TJ Network (AM 1390, FM 94.1 and 94.3) starting with the Tennessee Army National Guard Pregame Show at 6:15 pm CT.

The Generals return home against Mobile Wednesday, July 1 for a three-game set headlined by an Independence Day celebration with postgame Fireworks July 3! The team will be wearing special patriotic jerseys for the contest that will be auctioned off after the contest with proceeds going to the 30th SAB Association. Thursday is a State Farm Agent Wes Harris Dollar Night as well! Tickets are still available by calling the team at (731) 988.5299, stopping by the park or going online to jacksongeneralsbaseball.com.



Futures Collegiate Baseball League Stories from June 26, 2015


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