Ravelo's Streak Reaches 26 In Win Against Generals
The Birmingham Barons reclaimed first place for the third time in six games with a 7-4 win against the Jackson Generals in Thursday's series opener in front of 2,811 fans at Generals Park.
The Barons struck early with a three-run first inning which was highlighted by RBI doubles from Kevan Smith and Josh Richmond. Richmond leads the Barons with 44 RBI so far this season.
After a Jeremy Farrell RBI double stretched the lead to 4-1 in the fourth, Trayce Thompson put the game out of reach with a three-run home run in the sixth, giving the Barons a 7-1 lead they would not relinquish. The homer was his team-leading 11th of the season.
Starter Mike Recchia (5-2, 3.02) was the beneficiary of the offensive output, picking up his fifth win of the season after allowing three runs on seven hits over 6.0 IP.
INF Rangel Ravelo extended his Southern League-best hitting streak to 26 games with a fifth inning single and finished 3-for-4 with a run scored. The hitting streak is one shy of the longest in Minor League Baseball this season and ranks third in team history.
Reliever Kevin Vance struck out two in a scoreless ninth inning while picking up his fourth save as the Barons improved 12-8 in the second half and 41-49 overall. Coupled with a 6-5 loss by the Tennessee Smokies to the Jacksonville Suns, the Barons jumped into first place by half a game.
The Barons will look to win their second in a row Friday night when they send RHP Nick McCully (4-7, 5.66) to the hill against RHP Stephen Landazuri (3-2, 3.86). First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 PM CDT on Friday.