Barons Fall 4-3 on Space Jam Night

The Birmingham Barons (48-49) come up just short to the Jackson Generals (53-45) on Space Jam Night, losing 4-3 on Saturday night at Regions Field. The loss evens up the four-game series at two games each, with all four games being decided by one run.

• Moments That Mattered: In the bottom of the second inning Bryant Flete was able to drive a ball over the right-field fence his second home run of the season, giving the Barons an early 1-0 lead. Keon Barnum was able to hit his 11th home run of the year, a solo shot, over the right-center field wall making the score 2-0. In the top of the seventh inning, the Generals had the tying run on second base but pitcher Bernardo Flores  was able to get out of the jam preserving the Barons one-run lead.
• Turning Point: In the top of the ninth inning with the Barons leading 2-1 José Ruiz (L, 2-1) came in looking to shut the door. The Generals put runners on first and second with two outs before Kevin Medrano was able to hit a three-run home run over the right field wall giving Jackson a 4-2 lead.
• By The Numbers: Flores turned in a strong performance, pitching 7.0 innings, striking out four with one earned run and one walk. Jake Johansen came in in relief and was able to keep up the strong pitching as he set down the Generals in order in the top of the eighth inning.
• Facts And Figures: Ruiz is now 8 for 10 in save situations this season. However, both of his blown saves have come in this series against the Generals. Offensively, Luis Basabe and Alfredo González each extended his hitting streak to a season-high nine games in the loss.
• Up Next: The Barons and the Generals will play the fifth and final game of the series on Sunday afternoon, with first pitch scheduled for 3:00 pm. Left-hander Tanner Banks (1-1, 3.75) will make the start for the Barons while Ryan Atkinson (3-10, 4.98) will get the nod for the Generals. Curt Bloom will have the call on 960 WERC News Radio and the iHeart Radio app.