Ciriaco's Walk Off Caps 1-0 Suns Win

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Audy Ciriaco's single in the bottom of the ninth inning plated the only run of Friday's game as the Jacksonville Suns topped the Pensacola Blue Wahoos 1-0.

After the two teams exchanged scoreless frames for the first eight and a half innings, Ciriaco came to the plate with two outs and Ryan Fisher on third base facing Pensacola (12-20) right-hander Josh Ravin. With two strikes, Ciriaco lifted a ball over the head of second baseman Brodie Greene to score Fisher and send a season-high crowd of 7,215 fans at Bragan Field at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville home happy.

"[Ciriaco]'s really stepped up," said Suns (19-12) manager Andy Barkett after the walk off victory. "He's gotten a chance to play with some injuries we've had, and that was one of the biggest [hits] he's had all year."

The starting pitchers for both teams ensured that a slugfest would not be taking place in game four of the five-game series, as both Jacksonville's Robert Morey and Pensacola's Josh Smith shut down the opposition over six innings of work. Morey surrendered just one hit and struck out three, while Smith allowed three hits but also registered nine strikeouts.

"That was definitely [Morey]'s best outing," Barkett said. "He got to his breaking ball, which was real good tonight. He spiked some pitches early but was able to gather himself and pitch us six strong innings."

Both teams had several chances to break the scoreless tie, none better than Jacksonville's opportunity in the third. A single and a fielding error put runners on second and third with only one out, but Smith induced a groundout and struck his counterpart Morey out to end the threat.

"[Smith] was throwing his breaking ball for strikes," Barkett said. "He was keeping guys honest. He was a bulldog out there."

Despite solid bullpen work from James Leverton and Collin Cargill (1-1), the Suns could not produce a rally against reliever Loek Van Mil, but finally came through facing Josh Ravin in the ninth. Fisher walked to begin the frame, advanced to second on Jeff Mathis' sacrifice bunt and eventually scored on Ciriaco's game-winner.

The rally secured a series win for the Suns, who won their third straight contest over Pensacola despite Christian Yelich's hitting streak coming to an end after 15 games.

The Suns will face the Blue Wahoos the finale of the five-game series on Saturday. Jacksonville looks for its fourth straight victory behind left-hander Adam Conley, while the Blue Wahoos attempt to salvage the fifth game with right-hander Tim Crabbe on the mound. First pitch is set for 7:05 p.m.

Suns fans can listen to Saturday's game on the Suns Baseball Network, 94.1 WSOS-FM, or through jaxsuns.com, MiLB.com or the Suns iPhone or Android app, beginning at 6:50 p.m. with the UF and Shands Suns Pre-Game Show.

The home stand comes to a close on Saturday with Cancer Awareness Night and Pink T-Shirt Giveaway, the Zooperstars, Bark in the Park, Blood Alliance Blood Drive, Ronald McDonald Appearance & Steak Me out to the Ballgame. It's also Cancer Awareness Night at Bragan Field providing all fans information and techniques to help fight cancer. Plus all ladies receive a Pink Suns T-shirt courtesy of Cancer Specialists of North Florida, and all Ladies can have their Pink Suns T-Shirt personalized for just $15 with all proceeds benefiting Cancer Research.

The ZOOperstars also make their first 2013 appearance at Bragan Field featuring Tim Tebull and other great characters. The ZOOperstars will perform their famous skits throughout the game. For dog lovers, it's Bark in the Park Day. Fans should bring their four-legged family members to the Baseball Grounds with $2.50 tickets, access to the Pet Expo with prizes and giveaways.  

The Bloodmobile will be at the Baseball Grounds and the Suns encourage all fans to donate blood. The first 25 donors receive 2 tickets to the game, a hotdog and soda voucher and a special Suns gift. Plus it's everyone's favorite clown mascot, Ronald McDonald. Back by popular demand on Saturday nights this season it's Steak Me Out to the Ball Game in the Sundowner Lounge. For only $25.00 you get a tender 8 oz. bacon-wrapped filet mignon, baked potato, salad, non-alcoholic beverage and General Admission ticket. Plus, hang around after the game as all dogs run the bases after the game. Sponsored by Cancer Specialists of North Florida, The Blood Alliance, McDonald's, CBS 47 & Lite 96.1.