Six-Run Sixth Spurs Generals to Victory

Jackson, Tenn. - Playing in special jerseys for Shark Week Night, the Generals used a big sixth inning to beat the Mobile BayBears 8-1 on Saturday in Jackson. A crowd of 3,639 was in attendance to see the Generals win the rubber match in the five-game series.
Jackson (18-17, 55-50) broke the game open in the sixth inning, scoring six times on six hits to go on top 8-1. Evan Marzilli began the inning with a walk before moving to third on a Victor Reyes single. With men on the corners, Kevin Cron drove in his 70^th run of the season on a single up the middle. On the very next pitch, Jamie Westbrook ripped a double down the line in left that scored a pair to make it 5-1. 

That was the end of the night for Mobile starter Alex Klonowski (5-6, 4.15). He took the loss, allowing six runs (five earned) in five innings of work. The Generals continued the onslaught with Justin Anderson on the mound. Michael Perez drove in Westbrook with a single, and Marty Herum followed with a run-scoring triple to right-center. The hit was Herum's first for extra bases with Jackson. Herum scored on a single up the middle by Angel Franco, capping off an inning in which the Generals sent 10 men to the plate.
Ryan Atkinson (1-0, 1.69) did more than enough in his Double-A debut. The right-hander, who entered the night fourth among all minor league pitchers in strikeouts, allowed just one run while working into the sixth inning. He punched out six and walked three while giving up five hits.
Behind Atkinson, three relievers combined to throw 3.2 scoreless innings. Joey Krehbiel, J.R. Bradley and Josh Taylor struck out four without allowing a hit to finish off the victory. Mobile (15-19, 45-58) did not have an extra-base hit in the contest.
Jackson got on the board early, getting a solo shot from Victor Reyes in the bottom of the first inning. The long ball was the second of the year for Reyes, and his first since April 7. He finished the night with two hits and two runs scored.
After Mobile tied the game with a run in the second inning, the Generals took the lead back in the fifth. With two outs, a pair of infield singles and a pair of errors produced a run. Zach Houchins threw errantly to third base on a single from Vladimir Frias with Angel Franco aboard. The throw wound up in Jackson's dugout, allowing Franco to score and the Generals went up 2-1.
Jackson's ten-game homestand continues Sunday with the first of five against division-rival Tennessee. Taylor Clarke (9-6, 2.82) goes for his tenth win opposite righty Duane Underwood (9-5, 4.69) for the Smokies. The opener starts at 6:05 pm CT at The Ballpark at Jackson. Fans can follow along starting at 5:50 pm CT on Willie 94 FM & 1390 AM!
Bidding is open now for Jackson's special Shark Week jerseys that the team wore Saturday! Game-worn and signed jerseys are being auctioned off, with proceeds going to JACOA! Bid online at generals.milbauctions.com.
All five games against the Smokies start at 6:05 pm locally! The series wraps up with a Thrifty Thursday on August 3. Fans can get general admission tickets, hot dogs, popcorn, soda, beer, ice cream and access to the fun zone for $2 all night long! Reserved seats are just $6 as well!
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!