Generals Slam Past Stars Friday Evening Series

Generals have early offensive jolt, escape bases loaded jam in ninth

By Grant Braden

May 10, 2013

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (May 10, 2013) - Similar to Tuesday night's win over the Huntsville Stars (13-21), the Jackson Generals (14-18) scored all eight runs in the first three innings, including three long balls, winning 8-5. The early attack was highlighted by the best offensive frame the Generals have had all year.

It all started in the top of the first when John Hicks (1-4, 2 R) took the first pitch of his at-bat and deposited over the left field wall. Just like that, the Generals were on top. The lead was short lived though. The first four batters of the home half of the second inning reached for the Stars, which resulted in two runs.

The Generals responded in a big way.

A six-hit, seven run third inning for the Generals, capped by a grand slam from Brad Miller (1-4, 4 RBI) and a three-run blast by Abraham Almonte (2-4, 2B, SB), gave the Generals a nice cushion. The seven-run third inning for Jackson was the most runs scored in a single inning this season.

Huntsville put single runs on the board in the third, fifth and eighth, but Jackson held on and was able to even the series, two games apiece.

Generals' starter Brett Shankin (2-1, 4.15) got 10 of 15 outs via the groundball in his five innings of work. Shankin gave up four earned runs on eight hits to get the win on the road.

The Jackson bullpen got four innings of work tonight. Nick Hill (1-1, 2.51) worked scoreless sixth and seventh innings for the Generals. He faced eight batters, striking out five of them. Jonathan Arias (0-1, 5.00) took the eighth and ninth innings, giving up a solo shot in the eighth and leaving the bags full in the ninth to finish the game.

The finale of the first series of the season between Huntsville and Jackson winds down tomorrow night. The Generals will call on Anthony Fernandez (0-0, 8.64), as the Stars will give Alan Williams (0-2, 2.30) the ball. The game is set to begin at 6:43 CST. The game can be heard on 96.5 ESPN, jacksongeneralsbaseball.com and the TuneIn Radio app.

Be sure to check out the Generals on Facebook at facebook.com/jacksongenerals, and follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/jacksongenerals. Also, download the Generals' iPhone or Android app for free to keep the Generals at your fingertips at all times.