Andrew Key caught up with Jackson 3B Vinnie Catricala after the game. Vinnie belted his first home runs of the season in the third.

Audio of Vinnie Catricala’s 3rd inning solo home run.

By: Andrew Key

One of the greatest human experiences is hearing the life story of another person. Thursday , Cuban native Roenis Elias shared his story to Mr. Stanley Holland’s Spanish class at Liberty Magnet School in Jackson.

Elias began his story by sharing his dream when he was younger. Elias’ dream consisted of playing baseball at the Major League level. The only way to complete his dream was to defect Cuba. One of the students asked Elias about his parents perspective about his decision to defect Cuba. His parents, especially his mother, did not want Elias to leave. Elias said,

“It was a heart led decision that was necessary to pursue my dream,” said Elias.

Even with the chance of being caught and punished, Elias chased his dream. In short, Elias encouraged the students to pursue their dreams and work hard in their academics. Elias will start for the Generals Friday night in the series opener against the Birmingham Barons (CHW) at 7:05 p.m.

Photos below by Greg Mayo.

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Julio Morban went 4-for-4 with 2 2B, 3B, 4 RBI yesterday. Upped hitting streak to 12. (Seth Chandler)

Game #38: Jackson Generals (SEA) (16-21) vs. Tennessee Smokies (CHC) (19-19)
Site: The Ballpark in Jackson – Jackson, TN
Time: 7:05 p.m.
Pitching Match-up: LHP Anthony Fernandez (1-0, 9.45) vs. RHP Matt Loosen (0-1, 8.49)
Promotions: Dollar Night (MobileNation) Jupiter Stone Postgame Concert
Radio: 96.5 ESPN Radio (pregame 6:50) / GAMEDAY AUDIO and TuneIn Radio App.
Online TV: MiLB.TV
Live Stats: Live pitch-by-pitch coverage will be available on MILB GAMEDAY
Archived Generals Interviews: Generals YouTube
Generals Blog: Inside the Jackson Generals
Social Media: Twitter / Facebook

Generals Roster | 2012 Regular Season Statistics | SL Standings | SL Leaders | Generals Promotions |  MLB Game Notes | Mariners Roster | MLB Standings

TODAY’S GAME: The Generals (16-21) continue their 10-game homestand in 9 days vs. Tennessee (19-19) (CHC) and Birmingham (CHW) with game #4 of the series vs. the Smokies (1-3)…Jackson is coming off series win in Huntsville, taking 3 of 5 from the Stars. 22-year-old Anthony Fernandez gets the start in the finale of the 5-game series against the Smokies. This is his 4th start of the season and 80th start of his career. Fernandez made 1 start against Tennessee last year on 7/16, allowing 4 runs on 9 hits in 4.0 innings, earning a no decision.

GENERALS RECAP: The Generals scored 6 runs in the bottom of the 8th inning, including a 2-run triple by RF Julio Morban, as Jackson came-from-behind to defeat Tennessee 8-4 on Wednesday afternoon. Morban extended his hitting streak to 12-game, going 4-for-4 with 1 run scored, 2 doubles, 1 triple and 4 RBI. 3B Vinnie Catricala (3×4, 2 R, 2B) recorded 3 of the Jackson’s 12 hits, while DH Brad Miller (1×3, 2 R, 2 RBI, BB) knocked in 2 of the team’s 8 runs. Starter Brett Shankin (6.0,5,4,3,2,5,HR) allowed 4 runs (3 ER) on 5 hits in 6.0 innings, but didn’t figure into the decision. Relievers Kyle Hunter (1.2,2,0,0,0,0) and Tyler Burgoon (1.1,1,0,0,0,2) combined to hold Smokies scoreless over the final 3.0 innings. Burgoon rebounded after recording the loss yesterday to earn his first win of the season with 1.1 scoreles.

YOU ALREADY KNOW…that the Generals are 16-21 and 9 games out of first place in the division. But, DID YOU KNOW?…that the Generals have outscored oppononents this season by 22 runs (165-143) and have a Pythagorean W-L of 21-16 according to Baseball Reference.

NEWS & NOTES: Jackson ranks 3rd in the SL in batting (.251), 3rd in hits (317), 2nd in triples (13) and 4th in stolen bases (46). Jackson leads the league in hits allowed (284), 2nd in ERA (3.23), 3rd in walks allowed (119) and 4th in strikeouts (290),
• 18 of first 37 games have been 1-run games (5-13) which is 2nd in all of minors…22 of 37 games have been decided by 2-or-fewer runs (6-16) and 6 have been extra-inning games (2-4)…In games decided by 3+ runs the Generals are 10-5.
• RHP Taijuan Walker allowed 4 runs in 5.1 innings in his last start, after allowing only 2 earned runs in his previous 5 starts (6 R). Overall this season, he is 3-3 with a 2.23 ERA (10 ER, 41.1 IP) in 7 starts. He has limited opponents to a .176 (25×142) average, while walking 22 and striking out 46.
• OF Julio Morban currently has a 12-game hit streak, batting .426 (20×47) with 8 runs scored, 4 doubles, 1 triple, 2 home runs and 11 RBI…Longest current hitting streak in the SL and longest by a JXN player this year. T-4th-longest this season in the SL.
• SS Brad Miller has hit safely in 7 straight games, batting .414 (12×29) with 5 runs scored, 1 double, 1 home run and 10 RBI.
• We Gotcha!!…Jackson catchers Brandon Bantz and John Hicks lead the SL catching 52.9% of base stealers (18 CS, 34 Att).

WINDY CITY HOMESTAND: The Generals begin their longest homestand of the season this week, welcoming the Tennessee Smokies (CHC) and Birmingham Barons (CHW) at The Ballpark for 10 games in 9 days. The homestand includes a scheduled doubleheader on May 18 vs. Birmingham.

HOSTING THE OVC: For the 4th year in a row The Ballpark in Jackson will host the Ohio Valley Conference Baseball Championship. This year the six-team, double-elimination tournament will be held May 22-26 and marks the 35th OVC Baseball Championship.

Forrest Snow (6-6), Carson Smith (6-4), Tyler Burgoon (5-10) and Stephen Kohlscheen (6-6), all members of Jackson’s bullpen showcase the height differences with Burgoon as “Goon Squad”. Photo by Chance Ruffin

Game #37: Jackson Generals (SEA) (15-21) vs. Tennessee Smokies (CHC) (19-18)
Site: The Ballpark in Jackson – Jackson, TN
Time: 11:05 a.m.
Pitching Match-up: RHP Brett Shankin (2-1, 4.15) vs. LHP Eric Jokisch (3-3, 4.17)
Radio: 96.5 ESPN Radio (pregame 10:50) / GAMEDAY AUDIO and TuneIn Radio App.
Online TV: None
Live Stats: Live pitch-by-pitch coverage will be available on MILB GAMEDAY
Archived Generals Interviews: Generals YouTube
Generals Blog: Inside the Jackson Generals
Social Media: Twitter / Facebook

Generals Roster | 2012 Regular Season Statistics | SL Standings | SL Leaders | Generals Promotions |  MLB Game Notes | Mariners Roster | MLB Standings

TODAY’S GAME: The Generals (15-21) continue their 10-game homestand in 9 days vs. Tennessee (19-18) (CHC) and Birmingham (CHW) looking to snap a 3-game losing skid with game #4 of the series vs. the Smokies…Jackson is coming off series win in Huntsville, taking 3 of 5 from the Stars. 23-year-old righty Brett Shankin makes his 6th Generals start in game 4 of the series. Shankin will be making his 32nd career start. Shankin was 1-1, with a 2.61 ERA for A+ High Desert this season before being transferred to Jackson on 4/15

GENERALS RECAP: The Generals scored a run in the bottom of the 9th inning, but allowed a run in the top of the 10th inning as Jackson last to Tennessee 2-3 on Tuesday night. Starter Taijuan Walker (7.0,4,2,1,1,6,HR,HB) allowed 2 runs (1 ER) on 4 hits and struck out 6 over 7.0 innings, but didn’t figure into the decision. RH Carson Smith (1.0,1,0,0,0,1) tossed as scoreless 8th inning. LH Nick Hill (1.0,2,1,1,1,0), who recorded his 2nd loss of the season, tossed a scoreless 9th inning, but allowed 1 runner on in the 10th before RH Stephen Kohlscheen (1.0,2,0,0,1,0) allowed the inherited runner to score for the go-ahead run. 2B Brad Miller (2×4, R) and SS Gabriel Noriega (2×4) each led the Generals with 2 hits. LH Leon Landry (1×5, R, HR, RBI, SB) hit his 3rd home run of the season, a lead off blast to give the Generals as early 1-0 lead in the first inning.

YOU ALREADY KNOW…that the Generals are 0-3 in the current series with the Smokies. But, DID YOU KNOW?…that Generals starting pitchers in the series Roenis Elias (7.0), Chance Ruffin (6.2) and Taijuan Walker (7.0) have combined for 20.2 innings pitched and have allowed just 5 earned runs, which is a 2.23 ERA. Miller led off the ninth with a drag bunt. He eventually came around and scored off of a deep RBI triple from James Jones. (1-4, RBI, 3B) The run tied the game, 2-2 In spite of the dominating start by Generals’ starter, Taijuan Walker (ND, 3-4, 7.0,4,2,1,1,6,1) picked up a no decision. The Generals’ reliever Nick Hill (L, 1-2, 1.0,2,1,1,1,0,0) suffered the loss. The Smokies’ reliever Zac Rosscup blew the save in the ninth, but picked up the win for Tennessee.

NEWS & NOTES: 18 of first 36 games have been 1-run games (5-13) which is 2nd in all of minors…22 of 36 games have been decided by 2-or-fewer runs (6-16) and 6 have been extra-inning games (2-4)…In games decided by 3+ runs the Generals are 9-5.
• OF Abraham Almonte made his AAA debut Tuesday afternoon for Tacoma and batted leadoff going 1×4 with an RBI, Tacoma won in New Orleans, 4-2.
• OF Julio Morban currently has an 11-game hitting streak, batting .372 (16×43) with 7 runs scored, 2 doubles 2 home runs and 7 RBI…..Longest current hitting streak in the SL and longest by a JXN player this year. 5th-longest this season in the SL.
• SS Brad Miller has hit safely in 6 straight games, batting .500 (11×22) with 3 runs scored, 1 double, 1 home run and 8 RBI.
• RHP Taijuan Walker leads the SL with 52 strikeouts, and opponents batting average, .174. He ranks 4th in ERA (2.09) and 3rd in innings pitched (47.1).
• We Gotcha!!…Jackson catchers Brandon Bantz and John Hicks lead the SL catching 46.7% of base stealers (14 CS, 30 Att).

WINDY CITY HOMESTAND: The Generals begin their longest homestand of the season this week, welcoming the Tennessee Smokies (CHC) and Birmingham Barons (CHW) at The Ballpark for 10 games in 9 days. The homestand includes a scheduled doubleheader on May 18 vs. Birmingham.

HOSTING THE OVC: For the 4th year in a row The Ballpark in Jackson will host the Ohio Valley Conference Baseball Championship. This year the six-team, double-elimination tournament will be held May 22-26 and marks the 35th OVC Baseball Championship.

Julio Morban has an 11-game hitting streak (Megan Smith/Jackson Sun)

Game #36: Jackson Generals (SEA) (15-20) vs. Tennessee Smokies (CHC) (18-18)
Site: The Ballpark in Jackson – Jackson, TN
Time: 7:05 p.m.
Pitching Match-up: RHP Taijuan Walker (3-3, 2.23) vs. RHP Alberto Cabrera (3-1, 4.31)
Radio: 96.5 ESPN Radio (pregame 6:50) / GAMEDAY AUDIO and TuneIn Radio App.
Online TV: None
Live Stats: Live pitch-by-pitch coverage will be available on MILB GAMEDAY
Archived Generals Interviews: Generals YouTube
Generals Blog: Inside the Jackson Generals
Social Media: Twitter / Facebook

Generals Roster | 2012 Regular Season Statistics | SL Standings | SL Leaders | Generals Promotions |  MLB Game Notes | Mariners Roster | MLB Standings

TODAY’S GAME: The Generals (15-20) continue their 10-game homestand in 9 days vs. Tennessee (18-18) (CHC) and Birmingham (CHW) with game #2 of the series vs. the Smokies…Jackson is coming off series win in Huntsville, taking 3 of 5 from the Stars. Jackson was 17-7 against the Smokies last season. 20-year-old righty Taijuan Walker makes his 8th start of the season tonight. This is his 51st career start and 33rd for Jackson…made 4 starts against Tennessee last season and was 1-1, with a 2.89 ERA in 18.2 IP, 9 BB and 17 SO.

Taijuan Walker starts tonight (Megan Smith/Jackson Sun)

GENERALS RECAP: The Generals allowed 4 runs in the top of the 9th inning as Jackson lost 4-6 on Monday. Starter Chance Ruffin (6.2,7,2,2,1,6) allowed 2 runs on 7 hits in 6.2 innings, but didn’t figure into the decision. RH Jonathan Arias (1.1,0,0,0,0,3) struck out 3 out of the 4 batters he faced in 1.1 innings in relief. RH Tyler Burgoon (0.1,4,4,2,0,1,2HR) recorded his first AA loss, allowing 4 runs (2 ER) in the top of the 9th inning. RH Forrest Snow (0.2,0,0,0,0,0) allowed 1 of the 2 inherited runners to score in the 9th before recording the final 2 outs. LF Leon Landry (2×4, R, 2B, BB) and 3B Vinnie Catricala (2×4, R, BB) each recorded 2 of the Generals 8 hits.

YOU ALREADY KNOW…that Generals pitching walked 1 batter in last nights loss. But, DID YOU KNOW?…that the Generals have just walked 1 batter over their last 3 games, covering 27.1 innings pitched.

NEWS & NOTES: 17 of first 35 games have been 1-run games (5-12) which is 2nd in all of minors…21 of 35 games have been decided by 2-or-fewer runs (6-15) and 5 have been extra-inning games (2-3)…In games decided by 3+ runs the Generals are 9-5.
• ROSTER MOVES: Yesterday OF Abraham Almonte was promoted to AAA Tacoma and Jackson added INF Patrick Brady from A+ High Desert. Also RHP Tyler Burgoon was activated from the 7-day DL and RHP Moises Hernandez was placed on the 7-day DL.
• OF Julio Morban currently has an 11-game hitting streak, batting .372 (16×43) with 7 runs scored, 2 doubles 2 home runs and 7 RBI…..Longest current hitting streak in the SL and longest by a JXN player this year. 5th-longest this season in the SL.
• SS Brad Miller has hit safely in 5 straight games, batting .450 (9×20) with 2 runs scored, 1 double, 1 home run and 8 RBI.
• INF Vinnie Catricala has hit safely in 5 of his last 7 with 5 multi-hit games, batting .462 (12×26) with 7 runs scored, 2 doubles, 7 RBI and 1 walk.
• RHP Taijuan Walker allowed 4 runs in 5.1 innings in his last start, after allowing only 2 earned runs in his previous 5 starts (6 R). Overall this season, he is 3-3 with a 2.23 ERA (10 ER, 41.1 IP) in 7 starts. He has limited opponents to a .176 (25×142) average, while walking 22 and striking out 46.
• We Gotcha!!…Jackson catchers Brandon Bantz and John Hicks lead the SL catching 46.7% of base stealers (14 CS, 30 Att).

WINDY CITY HOMESTAND: The Generals begin their longest homestand of the season this week, welcoming the Tennessee Smokies (CHC) and Birmingham Barons (CHW) at The Ballpark for 10 games in 9 days. The homestand includes a scheduled doubleheader on May 18 vs. Birmingham.

HOSTING THE OVC: For the 4th year in a row The Ballpark in Jackson will host the Ohio Valley Conference Baseball Championship. This year the six-team, double-elimination tournament will be held May 22-26 and marks the 35th OVC Baseball Championship

Last Night:

Game #35: Jackson Generals (SEA) (15-19) vs. Tennessee Smokies (CHC) (17-18)
Site: The Ballpark in Jackson – Jackson, TN
Time: 7:05 p.m.
Pitching Match-up: RHP Chance Ruffin (1-1, 2.80) vs. RHP Dallas Beeler (3-2, 3.16)
Radio: 96.5 ESPN Radio (pregame 6:50) / GAMEDAY AUDIO and TuneIn Radio App.
Online TV: None
Live Stats: Live pitch-by-pitch coverage will be available on MILB GAMEDAY
Archived Generals Interviews: Generals YouTube
Generals Blog: Inside the Jackson Generals
Social Media: Twitter / Facebook

Generals Roster | 2012 Regular Season Statistics | SL Standings | SL Leaders | Generals Promotions |  MLB Game Notes | Mariners Roster | MLB Standings

TODAY’S GAME: The Generals (15-19) continue their 10-game homestand in 9 days vs. Tennessee (17-18) (CHC) and Birmingham (CHW). Tonight is game #2 of the series vs. the Smokies…Jackson is coming off series win in Huntsville, taking 3 of 5 from the Stars. Jackson was 17-7 against the Smokies last season. 24-year-old Chance Ruffin makes his 7th career start and 7th of the season today against Tennessee. Ruffin has pitched in 100 minor league games and 15 major league games, but this will be his 7th start..

GENERALS RECAP: After scoring 20 runs combined in their previous 2 games, the Generals were shutout for the 4th time this season 5-0 by Tennessee on Sunday night. Starter Roenis Elias (7.0,9,5,2,0,6) recorded his 3rd loss of the season, allowing 5 runs (2 ER) on 9 hits in 7.0 innings. Relievers Moises Hernandez (1.0,1,0,0,0,0) and Kyle Hunter (1.0,0,0,0,0,1) combine to hold the Smokies scoreless over the final 2.0 innings. SS Brad Miller led the team with 3 hits, while DH Julio Morban (1×3), C Brandon Bantz (1×4) and LF Leon Landry (1×4) each recorded 1 of Jackson’s 6 hits.

YOU ALREADY KNOW…that Jackson was shutout for the 4th time this season last night. But, DID YOU KNOW?…that the Generals played Tennessee 24 times last year and were not shutout in a game. The last time Tennessee blanked the Generals was June 7, 2011 – 27 straight games having not been shutout by the Smokies. .

Abraham Almonte was promoted to Tacoma today. (Megan Smith/Jackson Sun)

NEWS & NOTES: 17 of first 34 games have been 1-run games (5-12) which is 2nd in all of minors…20 of 34 games have been decided by 2-or-fewer runs (6-14) and 5 have been extra-inning games (2-3)…In games decided by 3+ runs the Generals are 9-5.
• ROSTER MOVES: Today OF Abraham Almonte was promoted to AAA Tacoma and Jackson added INF Patrick Brady from A+ High Desert. Also RHP Tyler Burgoon was activated from the 7-day DL and RHP Moises Hernandez was placed on the 7-day DL.
• OF Julio Morban currently has a 10-game hitting streak, batting .385 (15×39) with 6 runs scored, 2 doubles 2 home runs and 6 RBI during the streak….2nd longest current hitting streak in the SL and tied with Steven Proscia for longest by a Jackson player this season.
• SS Brad Miller has hit safely in 4 straight games, batting .500 (8×16) with 2 runs scored, 1 double, 1 home run and 7 RBI.
• INF Vinnie Catricala has hit safely in 4 of his last 6 with 4 multi-hit games, batting .455 (10×22) with 6 runs scored, 2 doubles, 7 RBI and 1 walk.
• RHP Taijuan Walker ranks 2nd in the SL with 46 strikeouts and SO/9 IP ratio (10.26…ranks 3rd in Opp BA (.176)…ranks 5th in IP (40.1).
• We Gotcha!!…Jackson catchers Brandon Bantz and John Hicks are 2nd in the SL catching 48.1% of base stealers (13 CS, 27 Att).

WINDY CITY HOMESTAND: The Generals begin their longest homestand of the season this week, welcoming the Tennessee Smokies (CHC) and Birmingham Barons (CHW) at The Ballpark for 10 games in 9 days. The homestand includes a scheduled doubleheader on May 18 vs. Birmingham.

HOSTING THE OVC: For the 4th year in a row The Ballpark in Jackson will host the Ohio Valley Conference Baseball Championship. This year the six-team, double-elimination tournament will be held May 22-26 and marks the 35th OVC Baseball Championship.

• Sat, May 11 @ Huntsville

  Final		1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9		R	H	E
  Jackson		2	3	2	0	4	0	0	1	0		12	13	1
  Huntsville		5	0	1	0	0	1	1	0	0		8	13	2

Game #34: Jackson Generals (SEA) (15-18) vs. Tennessee Smokies (CHC) (16-18)
Site: The Ballpark in Jackson – Jackson, TN
Time: 6:05 p.m.
Pitching Match-up: LHP Roenis Elias (2-2, 3.19) vs. RHP Kyle Hendricks (1-2, 3.19)
Radio: 96.5 ESPN Radio (pregame 5:50) / GAMEDAY AUDIO and TuneIn Radio App.
Online TV: None
Live Stats: Live pitch-by-pitch coverage will be available on MILB GAMEDAY
Archived Generals Interviews: Generals YouTube
Generals Blog: Inside the Jackson Generals
Social Media: Twitter / Facebook

Generals Roster | 2012 Regular Season Statistics | SL Standings | SL Leaders | Generals Promotions |  MLB Game Notes | Mariners Roster | MLB Standings

TODAY’S GAME: The Generals (15-18) return home and begin a 10-game homestand in 9 days vs. Tennessee (16-18) (CHC) and Birmingham (CHW). Tonight is game #1 of the series vs. the Smokies…Jackson is coming off series win in Huntsville, taking 3 of 5 from the Stars. Jackson was 17-7 against the Smokies last season. 24-year-old Roenis Elias makes his seventh start for the Generals. This is his 41st overall start in his pro career. Jackson is 2-4 in his starts this season despite the 3.19 ERA in those games.

GENERALS RECAP: Jackson 12, Huntsville 8 (3:09) W-Fernandez, Anthony (1 – 0)   L-Leon, Arcenio (0 – 3)   Rogers, J (HVL), 2-for-5, 2 R , 2 HR , 5 RBI …Catricala (JXN), 3-for-4, 3 R , 2B , 2 RBI

YOU ALREADY KNOW…that Jackson scored 20 runs over their last 2 games. But, DID YOU KNOW?…that the last time the Generals scored 20 runs in consecutive game was on July 11-12 last season in a 16-6 and then 4-3 win over Mississippi at home.

Vinnie Catricala had 10 hits in the last series (Megan Smith/Jackson Sun)

NEWS & NOTES: 17 of first 33 games have been 1-run games (5-12) which is T-1st in all of minors…20 of 33 games have been decided by 2-or-fewer runs (6-14) and 5 have been extra-inning games (2-3)…In games decided by 3+ runs the Generals are 9-3.
• OF Julio Morban currently has a 9-game hitting streak, batting .389 (14×36) with 6 runs scored, 2 doubles 2 home runs and 6 RBI…2nd longest current hitting streak in the SL.
• SS Brad Miller has recorded 7 RBI over his last 2 games, batting .375 (3×8) with 2 runs scored, 1 double, 1 home run and 2 walks.
• OF Abraham Almonte has hit safely in 7 of his last 9 games with 4 multi-hit games. During this stretch he is batting .429 (15×35) with 9 runs scored, 5 doubles, 1 triple, 2 home runs and 11 RBI.
• INF Vinnie Catricala has hit safely in 4 of his last 5 with 4 multi-hit games, batting .556 (10×18) with 6 runs scored, 2 doubles, 7 RBI and 1 walk.
• RHP Taijuan Walker ranks 1st in the SL with 46 strikeouts and SO/9 IP ratio (10.26…ranks 3rd in Opp BA (.176)…ranks 4th in IP (40.1).
• Among SL third baseman Vinnie Catricala is the top defender with a .971 fielding percentage with 51 assists and only 2 errors.
• We Gotcha!!…Jackson catchers Brandon Bantz and John Hicks are 2nd in the SL catching 46.2% of base stealers (12 CS, 26 Att).

WINDY CITY HOMESTAND: The Generals begin their longest homestand of the season this week, welcoming the Tennessee Smokies (CHC) and Birmingham Barons (CHW) at The Ballpark for 10 games in 9 days. The homestand includes a scheduled doubleheader on May 18 vs. Birmingham.

Brad Miller belted a grand slam in last night’s win (Pam Deitz/Jackson Sun)

Game #33: Jackson Generals (SEA) (14-18) at Huntsville Stars (MIL) (13-21)
Site: Joe Davis Stadium – Huntsville, Ala
Time: 6:43 p.m.
Pitching Match-up: LHP Anthony Fernandez (0-0, 7.36) vs. RHP Arcenio Leon (0-2, 5.28)
Radio: 96.5 ESPN Radio (pregame 6:28) / GAMEDAY AUDIO and TuneIn Radio App.
Online TV: None
Live Stats: Live pitch-by-pitch coverage will be available on MILB GAMEDAY
Archived Generals Interviews: Generals YouTube
Generals Blog: Inside the Jackson Generals
Social Media: Twitter / Facebook

Generals Roster | 2012 Regular Season Statistics | SL Standings | SL Leaders | Generals Promotions |  MLB Game Notes | Mariners Roster | MLB Standings

TODAY’S GAME: The Generals (14-18) conclude their 5-game series (2-2) in Huntsville, against the Stars (13-20) tonight with the rubber match of the series….Jackson is 2-2 in rubber games…Jackson and Huntsville meet 20 times this season with 10 games to be played in each city. Since 2005, the Generals lead the all-time series 80-71. 22-year-old Anthony Fernandez gets the start tonight…this is his 3rd start of the season and 79th start of his career.

GENERALS RECAP: Jackson 8, Huntsville 5   W-Shankin, Brett (2 – 1)   L-Moye, Andy (1 – 4)  Almonte (JXN), 2-for-4, R , 2B , HR , 3 RBI , SB …Miller, B (JXN), 1-for-4, R , HR , 4 RBI

YOU ALREADY KNOW…that Brad Miller hit Jackson’s 1st grand slam of the season last night. But, DID YOU KNOW?…that the last Jackson grand slam was hit by Kalian Sams on June 6, 2012 at Chattanooga. Sams is now a member of the San Antonio Missions (AA for SD).

NEWS & NOTES: 17 of first 32 games have been 1-run games (5-12) which is T-1st in all of minors…20 of 32 games have been decided by 2-or-fewer runs (6-14) and 5 have been extra-inning games (2-3)…In games decided by 3+ runs the Generals are 8-3.
• OF Julio Morban currently has a 8-game hitting streak, batting .344 (11×31) with 5 runs scored, 2 doubles 2 home runs and 4 RBI…2nd longest current hitting streak in the SL.
• RHP Taijuan Walker ranks 1st in the SL with 46 strikeouts and SO/9 IP ratio (10.26…ranks 3rd in Opp BA (.176)…ranks 4th in IP (40.1).
• Jackson Pitching ranks 2nd in the SL with a 3.16 ERA and have allowed the 2nd-fewest number of earned runs in the league (99).
• Among SL third baseman Vinnie Catricala is the top defender with a .968 fielding percentage with 46 assists and only 2 errors.
• We Gotcha!!…Jackson catchers Brandon Bantz and John Hicks lead the SL catching 48% of base stealers (12 CS, 25 Att).

WINDY CITY HOMESTAND COMING: The Generals begin their longest homestand of the season Sunday, welcoming the Tennessee Smokies (CHC) and Birmingham Barons (CHW) at The Ballpark for 10 games in 9 days. The homestand includes a scheduled doubleheader on May 18 vs. Birmingham.

HOSTING THE OVC: For the 4th year in a row The Ballpark in Jackson will host the Ohio Valley Conference Baseball Championship. This year the six-team, double-elimination tournament will be held May 22-26 and marks the 35th OVC Baseball Championship.

Stars and Generals face off again on Friday at Joe Davis Stadium in Huntsville (Ourvalleyevents.com)

Game #32: Jackson Generals (SEA) (13-18) at Huntsville Stars (MIL) (13-20)
Site: Joe Davis Stadium – Huntsville, Ala
Time: 6:43 p.m.
Pitching Match-up: RHP Brett Shankin (1-1, 3.43) vs. RHP Andy Moye (1-3, 4.76)
Radio: 96.5 ESPN Radio (pregame 6:28) / GAMEDAY AUDIO and TuneIn Radio App.
Online TV: None
Live Stats: Live pitch-by-pitch coverage will be available on MILB GAMEDAY
Archived Generals Interviews: Generals YouTube
Generals Blog: Inside the Jackson Generals
Social Media: Twitter / Facebook

Generals Roster | 2012 Regular Season Statistics | SL Standings | SL Leaders | Generals Promotions |  MLB Game Notes | Mariners Roster | MLB Standings

Tonight’s Starting Lineup

TODAY’S GAME: The Generals (13-18) continue their 5-game series (1-2) in Huntsville, against the Stars (13-20) tonight with game 4 of the series. Jackson and Huntsville meet 20 times this season with 10 games to be played in each city. Since 2005, the Generals lead the all-time series 79-71. 23-year-old righty Brett Shankin makes his fifth Generals start in game four of the series. Shankin will be making his 31st career start. Shankin was 1-1, with a 2.61 ERA for A+ High Desert this season before being transferred to Jackson.

GENERALS RECAP: The Generals dropped their 2nd straight in Huntsville on Thursday night at Joe Davis Stadium, 6-2. RHP Taijuan Walker (3-3) suffered the loss, which was his first since April 25. Brad Miller and Leury Bonilla each went 2×4 in the game.

YOU ALREADY KNOW…that Jackson is 13-18 to start the season. But, DID YOU KNOW?…that the Generals’ Pythagorean W-L according to Baseball Reference is 18-13 which is an estimate of a team’s winning percentage given their runs scored and runs allowed. Developed by Bill James, it can tell you when teams were a bit lucky or unlucky. In Jackson’s case, unlucky.

NEWS & NOTES: 17 of first 31 games have been 1-run games (5-12) which is T-1st in all of minors…20 of 31 games have been decided by 2-or-fewer runs (6-14) and 5 have been extra-inning games (2-3)…In games decided by 3+ runs the Generals are 7-3.
• OF Julio Morban currently has a 7 game hitting streak, batting .370 (10×27) with 5 runs scored, 2 doubles 2 home runs and 4 RBI.
• RHP Taijuan Walker ranks 1st in the SL with 46 strikeouts and SO/9 IP ratio (10.26…ranks 3rd in Opp BA (.176)…ranks 4th in IP (40.1).
• Jackson Pitching ranks 2nd in the SL with a 3.10 ERA and have allowed the fewest number of earned runs in the league (94).
• Among SL third baseman Vinnie Catricala is the top defender with a .968 fielding percentage with 46 assists and only 2 errors.
• We Gotcha!!…Jackson catchers Brandon Bantz and John Hicks lead the SL catching 48% of base stealers (12 CS, 25 Att).

WINDY CITY HOMESTAND COMING: The Generals begin their longest homestand of the season Sunday, welcoming the Tennessee Smokies (CHC) and Birmingham Barons (CHW) at The Ballpark for 10 games in 9 days. The homestand includes a scheduled doubleheader on May 18 vs. Birmingham.

HOSTING THE OVC: For the fourth year in a row The Ballpark in Jackson will host the Ohio Valley Conference Baseball Championship. This year the six-team, double-elimination tournament will be held May 22-26 and marks the 35th OVC Baseball Championship.

Taijuan Walker makes 7th start today. (Megan Smith/Jackson Sun)

Game #31: Jackson Generals (SEA) (13-17) at Huntsville Stars (MIL) (12-20)
Site: Joe Davis Stadium – Huntsville, Ala
Time: 6:43 p.m.
Pitching Match-up: RHP Taijuan Walker (3-2, 1.54) vs. RHP Taylor Jungmann (1-4, 7.89)
Radio: 96.5 ESPN Radio (pregame 6:28) / GAMEDAY AUDIO and TuneIn Radio App.
Online TV: None
Live Stats: Live pitch-by-pitch coverage will be available on MILB GAMEDAY
Archived Generals Interviews: Generals YouTube
Generals Blog: Inside the Jackson Generals
Social Media: Twitter / Facebook

Generals Roster | 2012 Regular Season Statistics | SL Standings | SL Leaders | Generals Promotions |  MLB Game Notes | Mariners Roster | MLB Standings

TODAY’S GAME: The Generals (13-17) continue their 5-game series (1-1) in Huntsville, against the Stars (12-20) tonight with game 3 of the series. Jackson and Huntsville meet 20 times this season with 10 games to be played in each city. 20-year-old righty Taijuan Walker makes his seventh start of the season tonight. This is his 50th career start and 32nd for Jackson. Walker ranks 4th in the SL, with a 1.54 ERA,  1st in opponents batting average, .150, T-1st with 39 strikeouts and T-2nd in wins. Has allowed just 2 earned runs over last 5 starts.

YOU ALREADY KNOW…that Taijuan Walker is the top pitching prospect for the Seattle Mariners. But, DID YOU KNOW?…that his opposition tonight, RHP Taylor Jungmann is the 2nd ranked prospect overall for the Brewers and was the 12th overall pick out of the University of Texas by MIL in 2011.

GENERALS RECAP: Runs were tough to come by on Tuesday night in Huntsville, as the Stars got the lone tally in the third inning on a wild pitch. Both starters made it through six innings, but Huntsville (12-20) was able to overtake the Generals (13-17) in the second game of the series as they inched closer towards third place in the Southern League North Division.RHP Chance Ruffin (1-1, 2.80) allowed a leadoff single in the third to Shawn Zarraga, balked to put him on second, and after a sacrifice bunt put the Stars’ catcher on third, Ruffin delivered a wild pitch that allowed Zarraga to score the only run of the ballgame. The Generals’ right-hander surrendered only three hits while striking out four and walking one. Ruffin’s counterpart was even better though. Ariel Pena (2-2, 3.48) lowered his ERA by nearly a run as the Generals’ only mustarded five hits in 6.0 shutout innings.

PROSCIA’S SEASON-LONG STREAK ENDS: INF Steven Proscia saw his 10 game hitting streak come to an end last night. During the streak, he batted .366 (15×41) with 9 runs scored, 3 doubles, 1 triple, 2 home runs and 4 RBI. The streak was the longest by a Jackson player this season and is 3rd-longest currently in the SL.

WHO’S HOT: RHP RHP Taijuan Walker has allowed only 2 earned runs in his last 5 starts (6 R), lowering his season ERA from 7.20 to 1.54. Overall this season, he is 3-2 with a 1.54 ERA (6 ER, 35.0 IP) in 6 starts. He has limited opponents to a .150 (18×120) average, while walking 20 and striking out 39.
• OF Julio Morban has hit safely in each of his last 6 games, batting .391 (9×23) with 5 runs scored, 2 doubles 2 home runs and 4 RBI.

HOW MANY ONE-RUN GAMES?: So far this season, 17 of the Generals first 30 games have been decided by one run. Jackson is 5-12 in those games. Jackson is tied with AAA Gwinnett for the most one-run games played this season in minor league baseball.