Nola, Suns scorch Generals 3-2 in 12 innings Thursday

JACKSONVILLE, FLA. (MAY 22, 2014) - The Generals (18-28) dropped their second straight to open the road trip falling 3-2 in 12 innings to the Jacksonville Suns (23-23) Thursday in Jacksonville, Fla. John Hicks (3x5, 2 R, RBI, HR) picked up his first three-hit performance of the season in the loss, which included a home run, to extend his on-base streak to 20 games and hitting streak to 10 games. The Generals fall to 1-3 in extra-inning games, 5-15 in the month of May and have now lost nine games in which they have held a lead.

Both starters were nearly flawless on the night and it was scoreless going into the fourth. After a single by J.T. Realmuto, he attempted to steal second. The ball hit off Realmuto and caromed into center field which allowed him to move to third. Alex Burg struck out, and then Alfredo Silverio grounded out to score Realmuto and the score was 1-0 Jacksonville after four innings.

Jackson got the run right back, as John Hicks (3x5, 2 R, RBI, HR) led off the inning with a home run. It was Hick's first homer of the season and extended his on base streak to 20 games, the longest currently in the Southern League.

The score remained the same until the tenth inning. With Hicks on first and one out, Manny Pina (1x4, 2 K) hit a line drive single to right field. Hicks advanced to third on the play, and then Pina advanced to second when Joe Benson bobbled the ball in right.

Jacksonville then walked Jack Marder (0x3, 2 BB) to load the bases for Nate Melendres (0x5, RBI). Melendres grounded into a fielder's choice that scored Hicks from third and the Generals had a 2-1 lead heading to the bottom of the tenth.

In the bottom half the Suns were down to their final strike with runners on first and second. Austin Nola singled to center field and Alfredo Lopez scored from second to retie the game 2-2.

The bottom of the twelfth inning began with a single from Alfredo Lopez. Moises Hernandez (0-3, 4.63) retired the next two batters, but then walked Brent Keys with the bases loaded. Austin Nola singled to left and Lopez scored the winning run, making the final score 3-2.

Nola finished the night 4-for-5, which included two RBI singles in extra-innings including the walk-off.

Matt Anderson (0-2, 9.42) tossed a season-high seven innings on the mound, allowing only one unearned run while scattering five hits in the no decision. He struck out six and walked just one. Chipper Smith gave the Suns 6.2 strong innings, also giving up just one run on the Hicks home run. Both starters did not factor into the decision.

Hernandez dropped his third decision of the year, falling to 0-3. Tyler Higgins (1-0) picked up his first win of the season in relief for the Suns.

The Generals and Suns will play game three of this five game series Friday at Bragan Field. Jackson will send Victor Sanchez (0-1, 5.09) to the bump as RHP Jared Rogers (0-0, 0.00) will get the start for the Suns. The game is scheduled to start at 6:05 pm and can be heard on 96.5 ESPN, TuneIn Radio and jacksongeneralsbaseball.com.