Florida Sports Wires

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Jacksonville first baseman Brady Shoemaker hit a grand slam for the Suns’ first hit to cap a five-run third inning that provided the difference in an 8-3 win over the Birmingham Barons, giving the Suns back-to-back victories to open the season in front of 6,371 at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville Friday night. Donning red jerseys to begin a season-long series of Red Shirt Fridays honoring military personnel, the Suns (2-0) started the season with consecutive wins – each by five runs – for the first time in three seasons. Jacksonville took the lead for good without the aid of a hit. Barons right-hander Carson Fulmer (0-1) set down the first seven Suns in order before issuing three straight one-out walks. Suns left fielder Jeremias Pineda grounded into a force play at home plate for the second out, but Fulmer walked designated hitter Austin Dean on four pitches to force in the first run. With the bases loaded and a 1-0 Suns lead,  Shoemaker drove a 2-2...

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Before hosting a Jacksonville Suns game for the first time April 7, the team’s new ownership, along with the City of Jacksonville and SMG, are enhancing guest areas around the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville.  The team announced the projects at a press conference Tuesday afternoon near the construction site of a left-field Tiki Terrace. The Suns’ major additions to the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville are a group picnic area directly behind the Suns bullpen and a Tiki Terrace near the left-field foul pole. Improvements include the renovation of all 12 private Suites and the expansion of the suite-level Sundowner Lounge to give all fans a climate-controlled space to overlook the playing field.  These and other projects total more than $1.8 million invested by Suns ownership, Jacksonville Baseball, LLC, and are scheduled for completion by Opening Day.   “Fans will see a fresh look at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville, as the renovations and...