Biscuits get series-opening win over Suns

Biscuits get series-opening win over Suns

By J.P. SHADRICK 

JACKSONVILLE, FL. - Jason Cromer put down the first fourteen Suns batters in a row, while former Trinity Christian Academy and Jacksonville University standout Neil Frontz dealt two perfect relief frames for the Montgomery Biscuits (64-56, 30-20) in a 9-6 victory over the Jacksonville Suns (53-68, 20-31) in front of 3,183 Tuesday night at the Baseball Grounds.

Jacksonville leads the season series against Montgomery five games to one.

Jason Cromer (5-2) allowed two unearned runs in the sixth inning while picking up the win. The southpaw went perfectly through the first four and two-thirds innings before back-to-back singles in the fifth broke the string of outs. Cromer allowed three hits and one walk with one strikeout over six innings of work.

Danny Muegge (0-4) allowed seven runs, six earned, and nine hits over two-plus innings in the loss. Montgomery used a five-run, nine-batter second inning to take an early lead. The first seven batters of the inning reached safely before a pop out and double play groundball ended the frame. Rhyne Hughes belted a two-run homerun in the third inning for a 7-0 lead against the Texan.

Suns reliever Kieran Mattison allowed solo homeruns from Gaby Martinez in the third inning and Rashad Eldridge in the sixth inning to open a 9-0 Montgomery lead.

After scoring the two unearned runs against Cromer in the sixth inning, Jacksonville plated four men in the seventh against reliever Ryan Reid, including two-run hits from Ryan Rogowski and Ivan DeJesus, Jr. to end the scoring at 9-6.

Upon entering the game with two runners on base and no outs, Montgomery reliever Neil Frontz (5) retired the last six Suns hitters in order to seal the game with a save.

Suns LH Eric DuBose makes the start against Montgomery RH Heath Rollins Wednesday at 7:05 p.m. ET in game two of the series at the Baseball Grounds. Come early as the first 1,000 fans will receive a photoball featuring Hall of Famer Phil Niekro! Sponsored by Comcast & Lite 96.1. It's also Christmas in August! All fans receive a special gift - come early for the best selection, including bobbleheads, caps and more! The Salvation Army and Santa Claus will be at the Baseball Grounds! Show your American Idol wristband for a two-for-one discount at the ticket windows! Plus, it's Sam's Club Night - show your Sam's Club membership card to receive a $2 discount off any regular price ticket! Tickets are available through the Suns box office at (904) 358-2846 or by visiting jaxsuns.com.