Braves edge out Generals 3-2 on Thursday night

JACKSON, TENN. (APRIL 10, 2014) - The Generals (4-3) looked to start the year 2-0 at the Ballpark in Jackson Thursday against the Mississippi Braves (3-4), however, the M-Braves spoiled the Generals plans, capturing a 3-2 win after gaining momentum early to even the five-game series at 1-1.

Robby Hefflinger (1-4, R) scored on a two-out RBI single by Matt Kennelly (1-4) in the second inning. Matt Lipka (2-4) singled on the next at-bat, scoring Gustavo Nunez (1-4, R) to hold a 2-0 lead.

Jackson starter Trevor Miller (0-1) recorded five strikeouts in four innings pitched. The right-hander was saddled with his first loss of the season as the M-Braves held their lead throughout the contest.

Jackson answered in the fifth as Jack Marder (1-4, R) scored on an RBI single by John Hicks (2-4).

Mississippi added to its lead in the eighth with an RBI double by Kyle Kubitza (1-3) that scored Seth Loman (0-4), who reached on a fielding error earlier in the inning.

Jabari Blash (1-4) answered with an RBI double in the bottom half of the inning that scored Ketel Marte (2-3, R).

Blash extended his on-base streak to 23 consecutive games dating back to Aug. 19, 2013. The outfielder has also hit successfully in each of the Generals' first seven games this season.

But the Mississippi pitchers proved to be the biggest hurdle for the Generals as starter Jason Hursh (1-0) cruised to his first win of the season.

Hursh allowed one run in six innings of work and recorded three strikeouts before the M-Braves relievers secured his victory.

James Hoyt threw 1.2 innings and allowed just one run before Shae Simmons (2) recorded the game's last four outs to earn his second save of 2014.

W- Jason Hursh (1-0): 6.0 IP, 6 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 3 SO, 0 HR, 1.80 ERA
L- Trevor Miller (0-1): 4.0 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 5 SO, 0 HR, 5.19 ERA
S- Shae Simmons (2): 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 4 SO, 0 HR, 0.00 ERA

The third game of the Jackson Generals' home opening series is Friday at 7:05 p.m. at the Ballpark in Jackson. RHP Stephen Landazuri (0-1, 0.00) will face Mississippi right-hander Williams Perez (0-0, 2.25). The game can be heard on 96.5 ESPN, jacksongeneralsbaseball.com and TuneIn Radio.

The Jackson Generals will hold their first Flat Screen Friday of the season. One lucky fan will leave with a 50-inch flat screen TV.

For tickets or information on the Generals go to jacksongeneralsbaseball.com or call 731-988-5299.