Braves out-duel Suns in series opener
Braves out-duel Suns in series opener
By J.P. SHADRICK
JACKSONVILLE, FL - James Parr pitched six scoreless innings while J.C. Holt's seventh inning, two-out single plated the only run sending the Mississippi Braves (43-48, 13-8) to a 1-0, Tuesday night victory over the Jacksonville Suns (43-48, 10-11) in front of 4,456 at the Baseball Grounds.
Tuesday's meeting was the first of the ten game season series between South Division rivals Mississippi and Jacksonville.
Mississippi starter James Parr dealt six scoreless innings with two hits, two walks and five strikeouts, allowing two walks in the first inning and back-to-back two-out singles in the fourth.
The Braves scored the only run of the game during the seventh inning against Suns starter Jesus Rodriguez. Paul Bennett led off the inning with a double, staying at second base through a J.C. Boscan strikeout and Kala Ka'aihue pop out. J.C. Holt next blooped a line drive to centerfield, scoring Bennett for a 1-0 lead.
Rodriguez left after allowing one run, seven hits and three walks over seven innings while striking out six.
Jacksonville's best scoring opportunity came in the bottom of the seventh inning against Mississippi reliever Sung Ki Jung. Suns catcher Lucas May led off with a walk, followed by a Juan Gonzalez fly out. Russell Mitchell then reached on Mississippi shortstop Paul Bennett's fourth error as he misplayed a ground ball. An Adam Godwin walk loaded the bases with one out. Pinch hitter Shane Justis next tapped a grounder between the mound and plate, that Jung shoveled with his glove to catcher J.C. Boscan who put the tag on the advancing runner May for the second out. A ground ball to third base from James Tomlin ended the inning on a force play.
James Parr (8-4) picked up the win for Mississippi while Jesus Rodriguez (1-2) fell in the loss. Luis Valdez (14) allowed a walk in the ninth while picking up the save for the Braves.
Suns LH Cody White will face Braves RH Todd Redmond Wednesday at 1:05 p.m. ET in game two of the series at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville. Wednesday is a Businessperson's Special, where $14 will buy a box seat, hot dog and large beverage, sponsored by Comcast and WOKV. Tickets are available through the Suns box office at (904) 358-2846 or by visiting jaxsuns.com.
