Barons Shut Out By Generals, 3-0

The Birmingham Barons (62-67) offense was held in check all night, producing just three singles in a 3-0 loss to the Jackson Generals (70-60) in the opener of their five-game series on Friday night in front of 7,232 at Regions Field.

• Turning Point: Two pitches into the game, the Generals jumped in front on a leadoff home run from Ben DeLuzio. Birmingham starter Tanner Banks (L, 4-5) kept the Generals quiet for most of the remainder of his outing. But two RBI singles in the sixth inning extended the Jackson lead to 3-0 off Banks, and that was enough support for their starter.
• By The Numbers: The Generals got a superb pitching performance from Emilio Vargas (W, 1-3). The righty kept the Barons off the board for 8.0 innings, giving up just three singles without a walk while striking out 10. Kevin Ginkel (S, 3) came in and finished the win with a clean bottom of the ninth.
• Moments That Mattered: With one of their few chances to get on the board, the Barons couldn't convert in the fifth inning. Trey Michalczewski led off with a single, and then advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt. However, Danny Mendick grounded out and Matt Rose struck out to end the threat and strand Michalczewski at third base.
• Facts And Figures: For Birmingham, Banks was solid on the mound in throwing his sixth quality start of the season. Over 6.0 innings, he gave up three runs on 10 hits with one walk and three strikeouts. Jake Johansen and Matt Foster combined to keep it close by throwing 3.0 scoreless relief innings, but it wasn't enough, as the offense never produced a threat to tie the game.
• Up Next: The two sides continue the series with a 6:30 p.m. matchup on Saturday night at Regions Field. Bo Takahashi (2-3, 5.37) is set to start for Jackson while Birmingham has yet to officially name a starter. Curt Bloom will have the call on 960 WERC News Radio and the iHeart Radio app.