JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp left-hander Mike Kickham tied a career high with 12 strikeouts in 6 2/3 scoreless innings, but the Jackson Generals rallied for two-run eighth and ninth innings in a 4-2 road win that snapped a seven-game Jumbo Shrimp winning streak in front of 5,262 at
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp left-hander Mike Kickham tied a career high with 12 strikeouts in 6 2/3 scoreless innings, but the Jackson Generals rallied for two-run eighth and ninth innings in a 4-2 road win that snapped a seven-game Jumbo Shrimp winning streak in front of 5,262 at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville Saturday night.
Kickham allowed a lone single in each of the first three innings but only allowed one baserunner to reach second base. Kickham struck out six straight Generals - coming within two of a Southern League record - in the fifth and sixth innings and finished his outing by retiring 13 straight batters. He walked one batter.
Jax Jumbo Shrimp Highlights - May 27, 2017
In a game that featured 35 combined strikeouts (20 by Jackson pitchers), Generals right-hander Taylor Clarke also struck out a career-high 12 batters in 5 1/3 innings. He recorded six straight outs by strikeout from the first to third innings. He allowed three walks and two hits. After allowing third baseman Brian Anderson's one-out double in the sixth inning, he gave way to right-hander Joey Krehbiel, who struck out first baseman Cal Towey. Right fielder John Norwood then hit his team-high eighth home run (seventh at home) down the left-field line to give the Jumbo Shrimp (22-27) a 2-0 lead.
Jesus Merchan Postgame vs. Jackson 5/27/17
Jacksonville right-hander Andy Beltre got the final out of the seventh inning and first two of the eighth. Pinch hitter Stewart Ijames then hit a two-out, ground-rule double to left-center field. After a walk to shortstop Colin Walsh, right-hander Severino González (0-4) entered. Right fielder Kelly Dugan hit an RBI single, and a passed ball by catcher Austin Nola scored the tying run. In the ninth inning against Gonzalez, left fielder Rudy Flores and third baseman Dawel Lugo hit consecutive singles, catcher Oscar Hernández hit a go-ahead RBI double, and center fielder Evan Marzilli hit a sacrifice fly to make it 4-2. Left-hander Gabriel Moya (2-1) struck out three batters in the final two hitless innings for Jackson (26-23).
UP NEXT: The Jumbo Shrimp conclude their series with Jackson at 6:35 p.m. Sunday, when Jumbo Shrimp right-hander Chris Mazza (1-2) is scheduled to face Generals left-hander Josh Taylor (3-3). Gates open at 5:30 p.m. for Navy Mutual Military Appreciation Night. Presented by Navy Mutual Life Insurance, veterans, active, retired and former military and their dependents receive free general admission or reserved tickets. All attendees with the military member must be present, and the member show an active military or veteran ID, at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville box office to receive free tickets. The Jumbo Shrimp will wear their camo jerseys in honor of the military. Any fan can purchase a $5 reserved ticket, using the promo code "funday" at www.jaxshrimp.com. Baptist Health Sunday Family FUNday begins with pregame catch on the field and concludes with kids 12 and under running the bases after the game. Free face painting, balloon animals, and Ninja Turtle characters will be on the concourse. It is also MiLB Sun Saftey Initiative Day.
ABOUT THE JUMBO SHRIMP: The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp are beginning a new era of affordable family fun with the 2017 season presented by Community First Credit Union at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville. With a new lineup of ticket and group options, there is a reason for everyone to get part of the action by calling the Jumbo Shrimp at (904) 358-2846 or visiting www.jaxshrimp.com.
