Donatella, bullpen silence Jumbo Shrimp on Opening Night

Jacksonville, Fla. - The Jackson Generals, the Double-A affiliate of Major League Baseball's Arizona Diamondbacks, opened their 2019 campaign with a 5-0 declaration victory over the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp on Thursday at The Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville.

The defending champion Generals (1-0), who beat the Shrimp (0-1) in eight of ten meetings during their run to the 2018 Southern League title, allowed only one hit to the home club, posting their first win under first-year manager Blake Lalli.
Justin Donatella, who fired seven straight quality starts to close his 2018 campaign, put the Southern League on notice with five shutout innings to start the year. The 2018 Southern League Midseason All-Star walked two, struck out six, and allowed only one hit, a blooper that glanced off the glove of right fielder Ben DeLuzio in the second inning. Backing up Donatella were bullpen arms Ryan Atkinson, Lucas Luetge, and Kevin Ginkel, who helped hold Jacksonville without a base knock for the last seven innings of the game. The staff finished with 13 punchouts against four walks, inducing nine groundouts and one flyout.
Ben DeLuzio, the Southern League's Best Hustler in 2018, showcased his offensive tools by driving in Drew Ellis with a two-out second-inning double to give the Generals the lead. DeLuzio's two hits on the night encompassed a third of Jackson's hit column, with newcomers Andy Young, Pavin Smith, Marcus Wilson, and Daulton Varsho each adding a rap of their own. Wilson, who started in center field, impressed by driving in two runs and stealing two bases, one more than the speedy DeLuzio.
NEXT GENERALS GAME:
6:05 pm CT Friday (4/5) at Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp
The Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville - Jacksonville, Fla.
RHP Emilio Vargas (0-0, 0.00 ERA) vs. RHP Jorge Guzman (0-0, 0.00 ERA)
Broadcast Link: Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp Baseball Network
UP AND COMING AT THE BALLPARK:
April 10-14 vs. Chattanooga Lookouts (AA, Cincinnati Reds)
…featuring "All We Do Is Win" Night (April 13), celebrating Jackson's 2018 league title!
The Jackson Generals, a West Tennessee franchise since 1998, are the Double-A minor league affiliate of Major League Baseball's Arizona Diamondbacks. The Generals play at The Ballpark at Jackson, Tennessee's 2017 & 2018 Pro Sports Field of the Year. Purchase your tickets to see the defending Southern League champions today by calling 731.988.5299 or visiting JacksonGeneralsBaseball.com!