Four-Run Third Inning Downs Generals

Jackson, Tenn. - Rudy Flores continued his steady season at the plate, but the Jackson Generals dropped a 6-4 decision to the Tennessee Smokies on Thursday. Flores finished with seven total bases and three runs driven in, but the Generals didn't have enough to rally on behalf of starter Josh Taylor (3-2, 4.03 ERA).
In the ninth inning, the Generals were able to make things interesting with the help of only one hit. Dawel Lugo opened the frame with a single, but the Smokies (21-13) cleared the bases by turning a double play. Kelly Dugan then reached base via catcher's interference, and Kevin Medrano worked a walk to put the tying run aboard. Evan Marzilli, who had homered earlier in the game, flew out to left field to end hopes of a rally for Jackson (20-13).

Tennessee scored in the first inning for the third time in four games, taking a 1-0 lead on a solo home run allowed to Ian Rice. The Generals got a double from Victor Reyes and a triple from Flores in the bottom half to tie the score at 1-1. Taylor passed cleanly through the second inning, weathering two hits by catching Jeffrey Baez in a rundown as he tried to steal third base.
The visitors came to life in the third despite Taylor retiring the first two batters. After two singles sandwiching a walk, Tennessee got consecutive two-run doubles from Jason Vosler and Jeffrey Baez to plate four runs in the inning, opening a 5-1 lead. Taylor got some help from the outfield to end the inning, as Reyes threw out Baez at home plate on a single.
Taylor would finish the next three innings without allowing a run, and home runs from Marzilli and Flores in the fifth and sixth brought the margin within one. Ivan Pineyro made his fourth career relief appearance, throwing the seventh and eighth without letting a runner get beyond first base. Oscar Hernández threw out his third runner in two days on a steal attempt in the seventh.
A sore top half of the ninth inning saw the Smokies score a run with a lead-off walk, a sacrifice bunt, a throwing error and a wild pitch. Andury Acevedo (Sv, 2) saved the ninth for Tennessee despite the Generals' best efforts.
The Generals will tap Brooks Hall (1-2, 5.00 ERA) to throw in the Friday night series finale. First pitch from The Ballpark at Jackson is scheduled for 6:05 pm CT, and you can catch all the action on Willie 94 FM and 1390 AM in Jackson and online as well via the TuneIn Radio App.
The Generals' 10-game homestand continues against the Tennessee Smokies before the team welcomes the Pensacola Blue Wahoos to town. On Friday, May 12 versus the Smokies and Saturday, May 13 versus Pensacola, the Generals will host Sarge's Carnival with Postgame Fireworks both nights! At both games, we'll have carnival rides in the Fun Zone for the kids to enjoy! Friday's Fireworks are presented by Tennessee Health Management, and it's also a Leaders Credit Union Food Truck Friday, with the Generals playing as the Hub City Hippos! On Saturday, the first 1,000 fans through the gate will get baseballs autographed by current Generals, and MobileNation sponsors the colorful post-game explosions in the sky.
Make sure to get your tickets now to see the 20^th season of professional baseball in Jackson, and the first for the team as an affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks! Call the team at (731) 988.5299, stop by The Ballpark or go online to jacksongeneralsbaseball.com to secure your seats now!