Birmingham, Jackson Split Saturday Twin Bill

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The Barons (32-36) and Generals (29-38) each received a win and a loss Saturday afternoon as the two teams split their doubleheader in Jackson, Tenn. Jackson claimed the first game 8-7 with a four-run rally, and the Barons slid past with a 3-1 victory in the second game behind a complete-game performance from starting pitcher Mark Blackmar.

Despite a seven-run effort by the Barons in game one, the Generals continued to hammer away at Birmingham pitchers to come from behind to steal a one-run win. A three-run double by Jabari Blash in the bottom of the sixth gave Jackson it's late lead.

Frankie Montas began the game and was lifted after one inning in preparation for his appearance in the Southern League All-Star Game Tuesday. Tony Bucciferro, Raul Fernandez and Devon Davis (1-1, 4.00 ERA) split time on the mound, while Davis was charged for the loss and blown save. Jackson sluggers Blash and Burt Reynolds each blasted home runs, while Birmingham catcher Rob Brantly hit his first homer of the year.

The Barons took the second game behind Blackmar (1-4, 3.38 ERA) as he earned his first win of 2015. The right-hander held the Generals lineup to just three hits, tying his longest outing and first complete game effort of the season.

Chris Jacobs singled up the middle in the second to plate the first run, and Chris Curley delivered what proved to be the game-winning hit in the fourth - a two-run home run. 

Five Birmingham hitters combined for multiple hits between the two games. Shortstop Tim Anderson combined for five hits between the two games, going 5-for-8, and outfielder Courtney Hawkins was 3-for-7. Brian Fletcher was the only other Barons to post three hits. Curley Joey DeMichele each came away with two. Curley and Fletcher also batted in a team-best two runs each.

ON DECK
The third game of the series in Jackson is set for 7:05 p.m. Friday at the Ballpark at Jackson. White Sox No. 2 prospect Frankie Montas (1-1, 2.59 ERA) will take on Moises Hernandez (3-2, 3.56 ERA), the older brother of Seattle hurler Felix Hernandez.

TICKET BOOTH
To order tickets, visit Barons.com or call (205) 988-3200. For more information, visit us at www.barons.com, www.facebook.com/birminghambarons or on Twitter: @bhambarons.