May blast paces Suns to Tuesday victory
May blast paces Suns to Tuesday victory
By J.P. SHADRICK
JACKSONVILLE, FL - Lucas May hit his first homerun since May 15 with a fourth inning, go-ahead three-run shot, leading the Jacksonville Suns (36-41, 3-4) to a 5-2 Tuesday afternoon win over the Chattanooga Lookouts (40-37, 3-4) in front of 3,572 at the Baseball Grounds.
Tuesday's game was the first of the current six-game series and eleven-game seaso
n series between Jacksonville and Chattanooga.
The Lookouts took a second inning lead against Jacksonville starter James McDonald, when Chattanooga pitcher Travis Wood bunted with runners on first and third and one out. Third baseman Russell Mitchell's throw to first was in time for the second out, but allowed Chris Valaika time to score from third for a 1-0 Chattanooga advantage.
After putting down the first six he faced and escaping a first-and-third jam during the third inning, Jacksonville finally got to Chattanooga starter Travis Wood in the fourth. Following a Jamie Hoffmann leadoff walk and Mark Bellhorn single, Lucas May belted his ninth homerun of the season to open a 3-1 Suns lead. The homerun was May's first since May 15.
Wood loaded the bases in the sixth inning with a walk, double and intentional walk before walking Aldolfo Gonzalez to drive home Bellhorn for a 4-1 lead. Reliever Robert Manuel later allowed a sacrifice fly from Suns relief pitcher Scott Elbert for a 5-1 lead.
Travis Wood allowed five runs on five hits over five innings of work, with six walks and five strikeouts. Suns starter James McDonald allowed one run on three hits over five innings with four walks and five strikeouts.
Chattanooga added their second run in the seventh inning against Suns reliever Scott Elbert when Sean Henry belted his sixth homerun of the season, cutting the Suns lead to 5-2. A walk followed the homerun, but Elbert would put down the last six batters he faced before making way for Zach Hammes who sealed the win with a hitless ninth inning.
McDonald (4-2) picked up the win for Jacksonville while Wood (1-4) fell in the loss for Chattanooga. Hammes (3) saved the game for the Suns.
Suns RH Jesus Castillo will face Lookouts RH James Avery Wednesday at 1:05 p.m. at the Baseball Grounds. Wednesday's game is a Businessperson's Special when $14 will buy a box seat, hot dog and large beverage; sponsored by Comcast and WOKV AM 690 and 106.5 FM. Tickets are available through the Suns box office at (904) 358-2846 or by visiting jaxsuns.com.
