Perez paces Suns to 4-1 win over Biscuits

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Jacksonville Suns center fielder Yefri Perez stole three bases, scored three runs and added two hits and an RBI, while right-hander Austin Brice pitched six innings for the win in a 4-1 victory over the Montgomery Biscuits in front of 1,801 at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville Monday night.

While the Jacksonville Miracle League raised funds and awareness through VyStar Credit Union Charity Begins at Home Monday night, Perez began three different innings by reaching base and later scoring. His three runs Monday gave him 27 this season, good for second in the Southern League. Perez's 28 stolen bases lead all of affiliated baseball.

Perez drew a first-inning leadoff walk against Biscuits right-hander Taylor Guerrieri (2-2), who allowed six walks, three hits and three earned runs in the first five innings to Jacksonville (16-22). Perez then stole second base with shortstop J.T. Riddle batting, and consecutive groundouts by Riddle and designated hitter Austin Dean scored Perez for a 1-0 lead.

Montgomery (21-16) tied the game against Brice (2-2) in the third inning. Center fielder Braxton Lee hit a triple to left-center field and scored on left fielder Johnny Field's RBI groundout. The tie was broken in the next half inning, as Perez began the bottom of the third with a double just beyond Lee's dive in left-center field. Guerrieri's wild pitch put Perez at third base, and Riddle lined an RBI single to right field for a 2-1 lead. Given another lead, Brice did not allow a Biscuit past second base after the third inning. He allowed three hits and two walks with two strikeouts.

Perez extended the lead by drawing a fifth-inning leadoff walk, stealing second base and scoring after a passed ball and Dean's RBI groundout. In the sixth inning, third baseman Avery Romero drew a one-out walk against right-hander Jared Mortensen, stole his first base of the season and scored on Perez's RBI single to left field that made it 4-1 - a lead that stood for the final three innings. Suns right-handers Tyler Bremer and Ryan Chaffee each pitched a scoreless relief inning, and right-hander Drew Steckenrider worked around two hits in a scoreless ninth inning for his first Southern League save.

UP NEXT: The Suns continue their series with Montgomery at 7:05 p.m. Tuesday, when Suns right-hander Patrick Johnson (1-1) is scheduled to face Biscuits right-hander Ryne Stanek (1-4). Community First Credit Union Two-for-Tuesday means 2-for-1 tickets at the box office for Community First Credit Union members using their CFCU Visa or debit card. Follow the Suns on social media to learn what will be the Trending Tuesday theme at the ballpark.

ABOUT THE SUNS: The Jacksonville Suns are beginning a new era of affordable family fun under new ownership in 2016. With a FUNdamentally Different promotional schedule and a new lineup of ticket and group options for this season, there is a reason for everyone to get part of the action by calling the Suns at (904) 358-2846 or visiting www.jaxsuns.com.