Pitching dominates in Generals win over Barons
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (June 15, 2013) - Great pitching and single runs in the second, third and fourth innings gave the Jackson Generals (29-35) a 3-0 shutout win on Saturday night over the Birmingham Barons (42-26). James Gillheeney, Andrew Kittredge, Stephen Kohlscheen and Carson Smith combined for the seven-hit shutout, the team's fourth of the season and first since April 15th at Mississippi. The Generals are now 5-3 on the season against the league's top team.
Pitching was the anchor to the victory and it all started with starter James Gillheeney (W, 3-1, 2.70). Gillheeney allowed only two hits in his five innings, walking two and striking out five. It was a stark contrast to his last start, one where Gillheeney allowed two home runs in only two innings of work.
The bullpen was just as good as the starter, a common theme this year from the Generals. Andrew Kittredge (3.60) gave up three hits in an inning of work, but struck out two Birmingham hitters. Stephen Kohlscheen (2.25) escaped the eighth inning behind a clutch double play from Gabriel Noriega. Kohlscheen went two innings and gave up only a hit. Carson Smith (3.00, 7 saves) was good for another save, working the ninth easily and sealing the victory. Jackson pitching held the Barons to an 0-for-7 mark with runners in scoring position.
The Generals got runs in the second, third and fourth innings. Michael Dowd (1-3, R, BB, K), who made his first start of the series, led off the second with a single and came around to score. Ji-Man Choi (1-4, RBI, K) produced a run with his third Double-A hit in the following inning, scoring Leon Landry (3-4, R, 2B, BB, 2 SB). A rare play produced a run in the fourth inning, as Gabriel Noriega (0-3, R, SB, BB) and Landry pulled a double steal, with Landry taking second, and Noriega coming home.
Despite the victory, the Generals continued to struggle to get that clutch base hit. The team left seven runners on base and was 1-for-13 with runners in scoring position. With the win, Jackson is now 19-16 following a loss on the season.
Jackson will send Chance Ruffin (3-2, 2.81) to the mound on Sunday afternoon. Ruffin is coming off a complete-game, seven-inning victory against the Chattanooga Lookouts. Spencer Arroyo (5-4, 3.24) will take the ball for the Barons. Game time is scheduled for 7:05 CST. The game can be heard on 96.5 ESPN Radio, TuneIn Radio App. and jacksongeneralsbaseball.com.
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