Barons Down Shrimp 5-2 in Series Finale

Four extra-base hits backed up a masterful performance from the bullpen as the Birmingham Barons (27-32) cruised to a 5-2 win over the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp (25-33) to close out the series on Thursday night at Regions Field.

• Moments That Mattered: After a shaky run through his first career start on June 2, Connor Walsh  dealt three strong frames, fanning six batters and stranding four-of-five base runners through 3.0 innings. Jake Johansen (W, 1-1) followed suit, tossing 2.0 frames with just one hit against and four strikeouts. Cameron Seitzer  and Brandon Brennan  held the Shrimp at bay before Ian Hamilton  notched his 10^th save with a clean ninth.
• He Said It: "First of all, you have to give it to the pitchers," said Ryan Brett about his pitching staff's performance on the night. "Walsh set the tone early for us tonight making the start out the 'pen, and then the rest of the bullpen came in and put up a lot of strikeouts. Obviously, the bats came through for us, too."
• By the Numbers: Two solo homers were the only blemishes for the Birmingham hurlers on the night as they marooned nine base runners while tying a season-high with 14 strikeouts.
• Turning Points: Keon Barnum  and Nick Basto  ignited a 13-hit attack on the night, hitting back-to-back homers in the bottom of the second to rocket the Barons out to an early 3-0 lead. Bryant Flete  drove Danny Mendick  around from first with a triple in the fourth, extending the Barons' lead to 5-1.
• Facts and Figures: Ryan Brett continued his hot streak after a 3-for-5 game on Wednesday, going 3-for-4 with an RBI single in the third to notch his second consecutive three-hit performance - the first by a Baron this season. In the series, Brett went 6-for-11 with a triple, a double, and three singles for a .545 average against the Shrimp.
• Quotable: "When I was struggling, I found myself pressing and just trying too much," said Brett. "Now, I've started to simplify things, be relaxed in the box, and let the game come to me."
• Up Next: The Barons will hit the road for a five-game road swing against the Tennessee Smokies, beginnings on Friday at 6:00 p.m. Southpaw Matt Tomshaw  (1-3, 4.57) will get the start for the Barons, while right-hander Oscar De La Cruz (5-6, 4.61) will toe the rubber for the Smokies. Curt Bloom will have the call on 960 WERC News Radio and the iHeart Radio app.