Generals Win Wild One Over Smokies

Jackson, Tenn. - The Jackson Generals came out on top in a back-and-forth affair Tuesday night, downing the Tennessee Smokies 8-7 to win the series. The Generals went in front on the last of five lead changes in the contest, scoring twice in the bottom of the eighth to take the series finale.
With the triumph, Jackson (34-31) has its first three-game winning streak and series victory since the beginning of May. The Generals dropped the first two games of the series to their in-state rival before running off three in a row to close out their final home series of the First Half. 

The Generals trailed 7-6 going into the bottom of the eighth inning, but rallied to get in front. Singles from Colin Walsh, Evan Marzilli and Raymel Flores off of Justin Hancock (0-2, 6.30) loaded the bases with nobody out. Pinch-hitter Travis Denker drove in the tying run with a sacrifice fly to right field that moved both men on base up as well.
After an intentional walk to Victor Reyes loaded the bases again, Kevin Medrano came through with the go-ahead RBI. His line drive deflected off the glove of third baseman Jason Vosler, who picked it up and was only able to get the out at second. Medrano beat out the throw to first, allowing Evan Marzilli to score the go-ahead run to make it 8-7.
Gabriel Moya (S, 8) got through the top of the ninth with ease, striking out a pair in a perfect frame to earn his eighth save in as many chances. In 30 innings this season, Moya has 50 strikeouts and only 11 walks.
Brooks Hall (2-4, 5.37) got the win for the Generals, pitching a pair of scoreless innings in relief to keep Tennessee at seven runs. Starter Josh Taylor and Yuhei Nakaushiro allowed all seven on nine hits in the first six innings.
Jackson scored twice in the second Tuesday night, the first time in 11 games that the Generals struck first. With two on and one out, Raymel Flores recorded his first Double-A hit and RBI with a single to right field. Josh Taylor made it 2-0 with a sacrifice fly for his first career RBI as a pro.
Tennessee (35-29) answered back in the top of the third, loading the bases with one out. Jason Vosler ripped a three-run double to right-center to go in front by one. The Generals took the lead right back in the last of the third. Kevin Medrano led off with a single and Rudy Flores followed later in the inning with a two-run homer to right field to make it 5-4 Generals.
The Smokies scored the next four runs to go in front by three. Cael Brockmeyer drove in a pair with a triple in the fifth off of Taylor, and Yasiel Balaguert made it 7-4 with a two-run single against Nakaushiro in the sixth.
The Generals were not deterred, as they managed to come back to earn the win. Evan Marzilli walked to begin the sixth inning and moved to third on a double crushed by pinch-hitter Stewart Ijames. A Victor Reyes groundout plated Marzilli, and Ijames came home on a wild pitch from Craig Brooks to make it 7-6. Jackson would climb in front in the eighth.
A pair of impressive streaks continued in the win. Kevin Medrano had two singles in addition to his go-ahead RBI, extending his hitting streak to ten games. Kevin Cron walked in the first inning, reaching safely for the 16^th straight game. The walk was his 33^rd, tying his career high before the halfway point.
The Generals hit the road for their final series of the First Half Wednesday in Birmingham. Game one against the Barons is at 7:05 pm CT, with Brad Keller (3-4, 4.64) going for Jackson against Spencer Adams (4-6, 3.46) for the Barons. Pregame coverage from Regions Field begins at 6:50 pm CT on Willie 94 FM & 1390 AM in Jackson, and online via the TuneIn Radio App.
After the All-Star Break, Jackson opens up the Second Half at home with five against the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp in West Tennessee. The opener is a Thrifty Thursday with $2 deals on general admission tickets, hot dogs, popcorn, soda, beer, ice cream and Fun Zone access. Game two is a Leaders Credit Union Food Truck Friday with local food trucks at The Ballpark! The team will also wear special Hub City Hippo uniforms that night! The game-worn and signed jerseys will be auctioned off at the season's end with proceeds going to the Boys & Girls Club of Jackson thanks to Tennessee811!
Saturday, June 24 is Pirates and Princesses Night brought to you by Leaders Credit Union, featuring a number of iconic characters and a Postgame Fireworks Show! The first 1,000 fans will take home a Generals t-shirt, and one lucky fan will win a Caribbean Cruise vacation!
The series wraps up Monday, June 26 with Splash Day! It's one of the most fun days all summer in Jackson, featuring all kinds of water games under the sun. Campers get in free, and lunch packs will be available to purchase for just $6!
Make sure to get your tickets now to see the 20^th season of professional baseball in Jackson, and the first for the team as an affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks! Call the team at (731) 988.5299, stop by The Ballpark or go online to jacksongeneralsbaseball.com to secure your seats now!