BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp second baseman Isan Díaz had his second straight three-hit game and scored both his team's runs, while four Jacksonville pitchers combined for a three-hitter in a 2-1 win over the Birmingham Barons in the third game of a five-game series at Regions Field Tuesday
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp second baseman Isan Díaz had his second straight three-hit game and scored both his team's runs, while four Jacksonville pitchers combined for a three-hitter in a 2-1 win over the Birmingham Barons in the third game of a five-game series at Regions Field Tuesday night.
Jacksonville right-hander Merandy Gonzalez - who made six appearances with the Miami Marlins earlier this season - was activated from the disabled list Tuesday to make his first start since May 14 and went four innings, allowing an earned run on one hit and one walk with four strikeouts. In the bottom of the second inning, he walked Barons All-Star catcher Seby Zavala, third baseman Trey Michalczewski singled to right field, and right fielder Jameson Fisher advanced both runners with a groundout to first base. Second baseman Bryant Flete then brought in Zavala with a groundout to shortstop. Gonzalez did not allow another run, retiring nine batters in a row to finish his outing. After Gonzalez, Jumbo Shrimp right-hander Brett Graves made the third Southern League appearance of his major league rehab assignment from the Marlins. He pitched a perfect fifth inning and worked around a hit and walk in the sixth.
Birmingham right-hander Spencer Adams shut out the Jumbo Shrimp (24-32) for the first five innings. In the top of the sixth inning, Diaz hit a one-out double to left field and scored the tying run when Barons second baseman Bryant Flete misplayed a ground ball by first baseman Eric Jagielo. Adams lasted seven innings, allowing an unearned run on six hits and two walks with six strikeouts, but he got a no-decision for Birmingham (26-31).
Jacksonville took the lead in the top of the eighth inning against Barons right-hander Ryan Burr (2-1). Diaz hit a leadoff double to center field and scored when right fielder John Norwood grounded a go-ahead RBI single to center field. Left-hander Jeff Kinley (3-0) worked two scoreless innings and allowed the leadoff batter to reach in the ninth inning. Right-hander Marcus Crescentini stranded the bases loaded to end a scoreless ninth inning for his fifth save.
UP NEXT: The Jumbo Shrimp continue their series in Birmingham at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday. The Jumbo Shrimp return home for a 10-game homestand beginning Friday, June 8, against the Biloxi Shuckers. Fans may visit any participating NAPA AutoCare Center to get a FREE general admission ticket (reserved seat upgrade available at the box office) for the game that concludes with NAPA AutoCare Family Fireworks. The Jumbo Shrimp wear red "Bold City" jerseys to support the military on Red Shirt Friday, when fans who wear red can save $1 per ticket at the box office or donate the $1 to the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund. Friday Night Lites Miller Lite Happy Hour offers $1 12-oz. Miller Lite and $1 off craft beer specials in the Craft Cave by the third-base gates until 7:30 p.m. The game is presented by 99.9 Gator Country.
ABOUT THE JUMBO SHRIMP: The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp offer affordable family fun at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville. Their inaugural season garnered the Southern League's Don Mincher Organization of the Year, Promotional Trophy, and Jimmy Bragan Executive of the Year, won by General Manager Harold Craw. To experience the excitement with the terrific value of ticket and group options, call the Jumbo Shrimp at (904) 358-2846 or visit www.jaxshrimp.com.
