Jackson Drops Opener in Birmingham

Birmingham, Ala. - A pair of big innings was too much for the Jackson Generals Wednesday night, as Birmingham took the series opener at Regions Field 8-4. The Generals had a pair of early leads, but Birmingham scored three runs in both the fifth and sixth innings to snap Jackson's winning streak at three.
Birmingham (25-40) scored the first run of the game in the second on an RBI groundout from Fredo Gonzalez that followed a pair of singles. The Generals were not deterred, immediately taking the lead in the third inning. Evan Marzilli led off the frame with a no-doubter to right field that knotted the game at one. Victor Reyes followed with a double, and he'd later score on a Kevin Cron single to make it 2-1. 

A pair of Jackson errors in the fourth allowed the Barons to score an unearned run, but the Generals broke the 2-2 tie in the top of the fifth. Reyes singled and stole second, scoring on a Kevin Medrano to go in front again. Medrano would later come home on a sac fly by Rudy Flores, making it 4-2 in favor of the Generals.
Jackson (34-32) lost the lead in the last of the fifth after allowing the Barons to rally with two outs. A walk and a single put two on for Cameron Seitzer, who knocked Brad Keller out of the game with an RBI single. With the Generals still up one, Miller Díaz took over on the mound. Both inherited runners would score on a Hunter Jones double that put Birmingham up 5-4.
Brad Keller (3-5, 4.88) took the loss for Jackson, as the first five runs for Birmingham were charged to him. He gave up five runs (four earned) on five hits in 4.2 innings.
The Barons extended their lead in the bottom of the sixth. Consecutive singles to start the frame put two on base, and Miller Diaz would allow a three-run home run to Fredo Gonzalez that made it 8-4. Gonzalez, who entered the game with two homers and nine RBI, had a long ball and four driven in on the night.
Spencer Adams (5-6, 3.64) pitched into the seventh en route to the win for Birmingham. He allowed four runs on seven hits, but left with his team up four. Aaron Bummer (S, 2) was sensational in relief, striking out six in 2.2 innings to earn the save. He worked out of a two-on, one-out jam in the seventh by striking out Rudy Flores and Dawel Lugo.
While Lugo's hitting streak came to an end at 12 games, a pair of impressive stretches continued for the Generals. Kevin Medrano had a pair of hits and has now had a knock in 11-straight games. Kevin Cron singled and walked twice, pushing his on-base streak to 17 games. He also already has a new career-high in walks with 35 before the All-Star Break.
The series in Birmingham continues Thursday night with another 7:05 affair. Gabe Speier (2-4, 4.23) will make his third start for the Generals against Jordan Stephens, slated to pitch in his third game this year for Birmingham. 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!