BIRMINGHAM, Ala.– The Jacksonville Suns (22-35, 51-75) were dropped by the Birmingham Barons (32-24, 65-60) 11-2 Monday night from Regions Field.
Matt Heidenreich (W, 1-0) in his start for Birmingham worked six frames surrendering one run (earned) on two hits while two and striking out four. Suns starter Jarlin Garcia (L, 0-2) lasted three innings allowing seven runs (all earned) on seven hits (one home run) while walking three and striking out two in a losing decision.
The scoring would begin in the bottom of the first after the Barons put a pair of runners in scoring position after a walk to Jacob May, and a double by Nick Delmonico. It was then Christian Marrero (HR, 13) ripping a three-run home run to left to leap his squad ahead 3-0.
In the third the Barons loaded the bases after a pair of walks and a single. Tony Thomas then mashed a bases-clearing three RBI triple moving Birmingham ahead 6-0. With two outs now in the frame, Joey DiMichele reached on a fielder’s choice and stole second, for Marcus Lemon’s run-scoring single making the tally 7-0.
With runners on the corners and two outs, Tim Anderson provided a RBI single into center off of Suns bullpen arm Fabian Williamson, which ballooned the Birmingham lead to 8-0 in the bottom of the fifth.
Flashing to the top of the sixth the first three men to the plate would get on to load the bases for Jacksonville. David Adams would then get the Suns on the scoreboard courtesy of an RBI sacrifice fly making it an 8-1 game.
To the last of the sixth the Barons loaded the bases after a double, hit by pitch, and a walk offered up by Williamson. With bullpen arm Juancito Martinez now in the game, DiMichele laced a run-scoring single to make the tally 9-1.
To the eighth, and Adams brought the Suns closer via a RBI single to trim the Suns deficit to 9-2.
Moving to the home half of the eighth DiMichele based a RBI double pushing Birmingham in front 10-2. Lemon tacked on a RBI sacrifice fly with position player Eudy Pina now on the mound for the Suns. The score was now 11-2.
Williamson out of the Suns bullpen allowed two runs (both earned) on four hits while walking and striking out two. Jacksonville bullpen arm Juancito Martinez lasted two and a third frames relinquishing two runs (both earned) on four hits while not walking a batter and striking out three. Pina in his professional pitching debut tossed a scoreless two-thirds of an inning.
The Suns and Barons continue their series Tuesday night with a first pitch set for 8:05 p.m. ET from Regions field. The Suns have yet to announce their starter while the Barons will counter with righty Mark Blackmar (5-6, 3.55 ERA).