Barons Swept In Jackson With 7-2 Loss

The Birmingham Barons (6-9) ended their toughest road series of the young season with a 7-2 loss to the Jackson Generals (11-2) on Friday night at The Ballpark at Jackson. The win gives the Generals a sweep of the five-game series.  

• Turning Point: In a scene similar to earlier games in this series, the Barons were able to get close with a two-out rally, but they couldn't come all the way back. Seby Zavala's  two-run single cut the Jackson lead to 4-2 in the sixth, but the Barons would get no closer. Reliever Gabe Speier came out of the bullpen and got Nick Basto  to ground out, ending the inning with the tying runs on base.
• Moments That Mattered: Ian Clarkin  (L, 2-1) began the game well for Birmingham, but a fourth inning Jackson rally was enough to hand him the loss. Rudy Flores' two-run homer to right and Jose Vinicio's double gave the Generals a 3-0 lead after four. Clarkin gave up five runs, four earned, on seven hits with three walks and one strikeout over 5.1 innings. 
• By The Numbers: After being no-hit through five innings on Thursday, the Barons were held to just a single hit through the first five innings on Friday by Generals starter Justin Donatella (W, 1-0). He tossed the 5.0 scoreless innings with one walk and four strikeouts to earn the win.
• Facts And Figures:  The Barons gave up 11 hits in their sixth straight loss, marking the seventh time in their last eight games they have given up 10 or more hits.  
• Up Next: The Barons travel to Pensacola to begin a five-game set with the Blue Wahoos on Saturday night. Matt Tomshaw  (0-1, 4.82) will oppose Daniel Wright (2-1, 5.79) in the opener. First pitch at Blue Wahoos Stadium is scheduled for 6:05 p.m. Curt Bloom will have the call on 960 WERC News Radio and the iHeart Radio app.