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Three-run ninth gives Jackson a 6-4 win over Smokies

April 14, 2014

KODAK, TENN. (APRIL 14, 2014) - The Jackson Generals (7-4) opened their road series against the Tennessee Smokies (5-6) Monday at Smokies Park looking to win back-to-back games for the second time this season. Despite entering the ninth with a 4-3 deficit, the Generals prevailed to win 6-4 thanks to a late game rally.

Ketel Marte (0-0, R) scored on an RBI single by pinch hitter Kevin Rivers to tie the game. Gabriel Noriega (1-4, RBI, R) tripled to score Nate Melendres (2-4, R) to give Jackson the lead before Jamal Austin (2-5, RBI, R) capped off the win with a two-out RBI single to score Noriega.

Starter Jordan Pries (1-0) went six innings and allowed just two hits-both solo home runs-and struck out eight and received a no decision.

Stephen Shackleford (2-0) earned the win despite allowing two hits in two innings. Mayckol Guiape (1) recorded his first save after recording two strikeouts on 15 pitches to end the ninth.

Jackson jumped out to a 1-0 lead after a solo home run by Jack Marder (2-3, RBI, R) in the top of the second. Tennessee answered immediately as Dustin Geiger homered to center field in the home half of the inning.

The Generals regained momentum as Jamal Austin scored on an RBI single by Leon Landry in the third. Landry-who reached second on the throw and stole third on the following at-bat-scored on a ground out by Jabari Blash (0-5, RBI).

But the Smokies would answer once again with a two-out solo home run by Rafael Lopez in the fifth, cutting the deficit to 3-2.

Kris Bryant added an RBI double to score Rubi Silva in the seventh before Lopez broke the 3-3 tie with an RBI single several at-bats later, prior to Jackson's ninth inning rally.

Generals' DH Jabari Blash finished the night 0-for-5, with an RBI and saw his 26-game on-base streak dating back to last season snapped.

W- Stephen Shackleford: (2-0): 2.0 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 3 SO, 0 HR, 7.71 ERA
L- Tony Zych: (0-2): (BS, 2): 1.2 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 BB, 0 SO, 0 HR, 0.00 ERA
S- Mayckol Guaipe (1): 1.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 2 SO, 0 HR, 0.00 ERA

The Generals continue their series with the Tennessee Smokies on Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. CT at Smokies Park. RHP Trevor Miller (0-1, 5.19 ERA) starts against a RHP Jake Arrietta (0-1, 0.00).

The Generals return to the Ballpark at Jackson on Saturday, April 19 to kickoff a homestand against the Chattanooga Lookouts. The Ballpark at Jackson will hold a Half-way to Halloween event, Educators Appreciation Night, a Beyond Blame Post-Game Concert and the second fireworks show of the season.

For tickets log on to jacksongeneralsbaseball.com or call 731-988-5299.