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.

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.

Game #30 : Jackson Generals (SEA) (13-16) at Huntsville Stars (MIL) (11-20)
Site: Joe Davis Stadium – Huntsville, Ala
Time: 6:43 p.m.
Pitching Match-up: RHP Chance Ruffin (1-0, 3.10) vs. RHP Ariel Pena (1-2, 4.32)
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 (13-16) continue their 5-game series (1-0) in Huntsville, against the Stars (11-20) tonight with game 2 of the series. Jackson and Huntsville meet 20 times this season with 10 games to be played in each city. 24-year-old Chance Ruffin makes his sixth career start and sixth of the season today against Huntsville. Ruffin has pitched in 99 minor league games and 15 major league games, but this will be only his sixth start..

YOU ALREADY KNOW…that the Generals and Stars meet 20 times this season. But, DID YOU KNOW?…that the Generals and Stars have split their last 40 meetings (20-20) and since 2005 Jackson leads the overall series, 79-70.

GENERALS RECAP: DH Julio Morban and 1B Steven Proscia each hit home runs to lead Jackson to a 8-3 win over Huntsville on Tuesday night. The Generals jumped out to an early lead after scoring 3 runs in the first inning and scored again in the 2nd, 3rd and 5th inning to increase their lead to 8-3. Eight of the 9 players in the starting lineup recorded at least 1 hit, while 7 players knocked in at least 1 run. Jackson recorded 14 hits, including multi-hit games by C John Hicks (3×5, 2 R, 2B, RBI), 3B Vinnie Catricala (3×4, R, 2 RBI, BB), Morban (2×5, 2 R, HR, RBI) and Proscia (2×5, R, HR, RBI). Starter Roenis Elias (6.0,6,3,3,5,3,2HR) recorded his 2nd win of the season, allowing 3 runs on 6 hits in 6.0 innings. Relievers Stephen Kohlscheen (1.0,0,0,0,0,2), Jonathan Arias (1.0,0,0,0,0,1) and Nick Hill (1.0,2,0,0,0,0) combined to hold the Stars scoreless over the final 3.0 innings to secure the win.

PROSCIA STREAKING: INF Steven Proscia has hit safely in his last 10 games, batting .366 (15×41) with 9 runs scored, 3 doubles, 1 triple, 2 home runs and 4 RBI. The streak is 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 5 games, batting .350 (7×20) with 5 runs scored, 2 doubles 2 home runs and 4 RBI.
• OF James Jones has recorded 9 hits in his last 19 at-bats (.474) with 2 runs scored, 4 doubles and 5 RBI.

HOW MANY ONE-RUN GAMES?: So far this season, 16 of the Generals first 29 games have been decided by one run. Jackson is 5-11 in those games. Jackson is tied with AAA Gwinnett for the most one-run games played this season in minor league baseball.Jackson is also 2-3 in extra inning games.

Game #29 : Jackson Generals (SEA) (12-16) at Huntsville Stars (MIL) (11-19)
Site: Joe Davis Stadium – Huntsville, Ala
Time: 6:43 p.m.
Pitching Match-up: LHP Roenis Elias (1-2, 2.93) vs. RHP Jimmy Nelson (3-1, 1.91)
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 (12-16) will open a 5-game series today at Huntsville (11-19). Jackson will play Huntsville 20 times during the 2013 season. Last year the Generals were 11-8 against the Stars. 24-year-old Roenis Elias makes his sixth start for the Generals. This is his 40th overall start in his pro career. Jackson is 1-4 in his starts this season despite the 2.93 ERA in those games.

SCOUTING HUNTSVILLE’S STARTING PITCHER: Jimmy Nelson – Drafted out of Alabama by the Brewers in the first round in 2010. Notched a 3.71 ERA in 26.2 innings of rookie-ball experience that season. Made 25 starts and one relief appearance for Low-A Wisconsin in 2011 with a 4.38 ERA and nearly a 2:1 strikeout to walk ratio. Started the 2012 season with a 2.21 ERA in 13 High-A starts, striking out nearly a batter per inning over 81.1 innings. Promoted to Double-A and has posted a 4.62 ERA in 39 innings with 35 walks and 37 strikeouts.
Big, intimidating guy. Looks the part of a workhorse starter. Two potential plus pitches that can miss enough bats and induce ground balls. Has to gain consistency with delivery. CH doesn’t project to gain much ground. Will throw strikes but won’t locate consistently long term. Mixes pitches well and doesn’t get rattled easily. Nice arm. Durable body. Inning-eater type. Potential number four starter with peak seasons in number three territory.

YOU ALREADY KNOW…that Jackson played their 16th one-run game of the season on Saturday against Jacksonville. But, DID YOU KNOW?…that the 16 one-run games is tied with AAA Gwinnett (Braves) for the most in minor league baseball this season.

GENERALS RECAP: The Generals scored 5 runs in the bottom of the 5th inning to take a 6-5 lead, but allowed 2 runs in the top of the 6th inning as Jackson lost to Jacksonville 7-6 on Saturday. The loss meant 16 of the 28 games played so far this year have one-run affairs. The Generals are 5-11 in those games. Game two of the doubleheader was cancelled due to unplayable field conditions and threatening rain. The game will not be made up this season. Starter Anthony Fernandez (4.2,6,5,5,3,3,2HR) allowed 5 runs on 6 hits in 4.2 innings, but didn’t factor into the decision. RH Jonathan Arias (1.1,3,2,2,2,2,HR) recorded the loss after allowing a 2-run home run in the 6th inning. RH Forrest Snow (1.0,0,0,0,0,1) struck out 1 in a 1-2-3 9th inning. SS Gabriel Noriega (3×3, 2 R, 3B) led the team with 3 hits, while C John Hicks (2×4, R) and 3B Vinnie Catricala (2×4, R, 2B, 3 RBI) each recorded multi-hit games.

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.
• C John Hicks has hit safely in 13 of his last 14 games, batting .351 (20×57) with 9 runs scored, 3 doubles, 1 triple, 1 home run and 7 RBI.
• INF Steven Proscia has hit safely in his last 9 games, batting .361 (13×36) with 8 runs scored, 3 doubles, 1 triple, home run and 3 RBI.
• OF James Jones has recorded 8 hits in his last 14 at-bats (.571) with 2 runs scored, 4 doubles and 5 RBI.

TOPS IN THE LEAGUE PITCHING: The Generals pitching staff currently is 2nd in the league in ERA (3.04), and has a starters ERA of 2.56.

HOW MANY ONE-RUN GAMES?: So far this season, 16 of the Generals first 28 games have been decided by one run. Jackson is 5-11 in those games. Jackson is tied with AAA Gwinnett for the most one-run games played this season in minor league baseball.Jackson is also 2-3 in extra inning games.

Today’s Generals pregame interview is utility man Jack Marder. Listen to the full interview below.

Game #28/29 : Jackson Generals (SEA) (12-15) vs. Jacksonville Suns (MIA) (15-11)
Site: The Ballpark in Jackson – Jackson, Tenn.
Time: 4:05 p.m.
Pitching Match-up:
Game 1: LHP Anthony Fernandez (0-0, 7.36) vs. LHP Adam Conley (0-1, 5.14)
Game 2: LHP Roenis Elias (1-2, 2.93) vs. RHP Robert Morey (0-0, 4.15)
Promotions: Star Wars Night, Postgame Fireworks (Star Wars Themed)
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 (12-14) wrap up the five-game series with Jacksonville today with a doubleheader. This is Jackson’s third twin bill of the season (0-0-1). The current series is tied 1-1 and Jacksonville leads the season series 4-3. LHP Anthony Fernandez makes his second start of the season in game one and LHP Roenis Elias makes his sixth start of the year in game two.

YOU ALREADY KNOW…that 1B Steven Proscia is on an 8-game hitting streak. But, DID YOU KNOW?…that the streak matches C John Hicks’ earlier 8-game hitting streak for the longest by a Jackson player this season and is currently T-2nd longest in the SL.

GENERALS RECAP: The Generals committed 4 errors which led to 4 unearned run as Jackson lost to Jacksonville 1-11 on Thursday night. Starter Brett Shankin (3.0,9,8,1,1,2,HR) recorded the loss despite allowing only 1 earned run in 3.0 innings of work. RH Moises Hernanedez (2.2,2,1,1,2,1) and LH Nick Hill (1.0,3,2,2,1,1) each were charged with runs in relief, while RH Stephen Kohlscheen (2.1,1,0,0,0,1) tossed 2.1 scoreless innings in relief. 2B Brad Miller (2×3) recorded the team’s only multi-hit game, while RF Julio Morban (1×4, R, 2B) recorded the team’s only extrabase hit.

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.
• John Hicks has hit safely in 12 of his last 13 games, batting .340 (18×53) with 8 runs scored, 3doubles, 1 triple, 1 home run and 7 RBI.
• INF Steven Proscia has hit safely in his last 8 games, batting .375 (12×32) with 8 runs scored, 3 doubles, 1 triple, home run and 2 RBI.
• OF Abraham Almonte, who had a day off yesterday, is batting .688 (11×16) with 5 runs scored, 3 doubles, 1 triple, 1 home run and 6 RBI in last 4 games.
• OF James Jones has recorded 7 hits in his last 11 atbats (.636) with 1 run scored, 4 doubles and 5 RBI.

TOPS IN THE LEAGUE PITCHING: The Generals pitching staff currently leads the league in ERA (2.87), starters ERA (2.36), hits allowed (178), runs allowed (93) and 2nd in strikeouts (217).

My pregame interview tonight is with Jackson OF James Jones. He was 4×4 last night with three doubles and 3 RBI. He currently leads Jackson in most offensive categories and is 1st in the Southern League through 26 games with a .333 batting average. Below is my interview with the always fun Jones.

Game #27 : Jackson Generals (SEA) (12-14) vs. Jacksonville Suns (MIA) (14-11)
Site: The Ballpark in Jackson – Jackson, Tenn.
Time: 7:05 p.m.
Pitching Match-up: RHP Brett Shankin (1-0, 3.50) vs. RHP Jay Jackson (0-0, 0.00)
Promotions: Dollar Night (MobileNation) Will Davenport post game concert
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 (12-14) will look for their 3rd straight win tonight in game 2 of the 5-game series (1-0) against Jacksonville. The season series is tied 3-3. This is the final series against the Marlins AA affiliate. 23-year-old righty Brett Shankin makes his fourth Generals start. Shankin is making his 30th career start as he is 10-10, with a 5.23 ERA over his first 2+ pro seasons.

YOU ALREADY KNOW…that OF James Jones was 4×4 with 3 RBI in last nights win over Jacksonville But, DID YOU KNOW?…that Jones leads the league batting average (.333) and is 2nd in slugging, (.568), T-2nd in triples (3) and T-3rd in doubles (7).

GENERALS RECAP: Generals starter Taijuan Walker (W, 3-2, 6.0,3,1,1,2,7,0) tossed six outstanding innings and picked up his third win of the season while LF Abe Almonte (4-5, 2B, 2R), RF James Jones (4-4, 3RBIs, 3 2B) collected 4 hits in the 9-1 win in the series opener. Six of the Generals’ 13 hits were extra-base hits. Jackson scored 3 runs in the 1st and 4 runs in the 6th after back-to-back home runs from C John Hicks (1-4, HR, 3RBIs) and DH Julio Morban (2-5, 2 RBIs, HR). Kyle Hunter (1.0,0,0,0,0,2), Moises Hernandez (1.0,1,0,0,0,0) and Forrest Snow (1.0,0,0,0,0,2) added scoreless relief behind Walker.

WHO’S HOT: 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 average, while walking 20 and striking out 39.
• C John Hicks has hit safely in 11 of his last 12 games, batting .347 (17×49) with 8 runs scored, 3 doubles, 1 triple, 1 home run and 7 RBI.
• OF Abraham Almonte is batting .688 (11×16) with 5 runs scored, 3 doubles, 1 triple, 1 home run and 6 RBI in last 4 games.
• INF Steven Proscia has hit safely in his last 7 games, batting .379 (11×29) with 8 runs scored, 3 doubles, 1 triple, home run and 2 RBI.

TOPS IN THE LEAGUE PITCHING: The Generals pitching staff currently leads the league in ERA (2.83), starters ERA (2.26), hits allowed (178), runs allowed (84) and strikeouts (212).

HOW MANY ONE-RUN GAMES?: So far this season, 15 of the Generals first 26 games have been decided by one run. Jackson is 5-10 in those games. Jackson is also 2-3 in extra inning games.

HITTING FOR THE CYCLE: Abraham Almonte (4×5, 2 R, 2B, 3B, HR, 4 RBI) completed the cycle on Saturday night at Chattanooga. It was the first cycle in Jackson franchise history, dating back to 1998, when the Generals were known as the West Tenn Diamond Jaxx. But it was the 2nd cycle in 10 days for a Mariners prospect after Carlos Triunfel accomplished the feat for Triple-A Tacoma on April 17. Almonte hit a solo homer in in the third inning, a bases-loaded triple in the 4th inning, and singled in the 5th and got his 4th RBI of the evening. After being called out on strikes in the 6th inning, Almonte lined a 2-2 pitch to right field for a double to complete the cycle.

Generals OF Abraham Almonte showing off the bat and ball used to finish up his cycle on Saturday in Chattanooga.

Game #26 :Jackson Generals (SEA) (10-13) vs. Jacksonville Suns (MIA) (14-10)
Site: The Ballpark in Jackson – Jackson, Tenn.
Time: 7:05 p.m.
Pitching Match-up: RHP Taijuan Walker (2-2, 1.55) vs. RHP Sam Dyson (0-1, 1.86)
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 (11-14) open the month of May tonight with the series opener against the Jacksonville Suns (14-10) at the Ballpark in Jackson. The Suns took three of five from Jackson in the opening series of the season in Jacksonville. 20-year-old righty Taijuan Walker makes his sixth start of the season tonight, in the opener against Jacksonville.

YOU ALREADY KNOW…that neither Chattanooga nor Jackson committed an error in game two of the doubleheader Monday. But, DID YOU KNOW?…that it broke a streak of 12 straight games in which an error was committed by either Jackson or their opponent.

GENERALS RECAP: The Generals split a pair of 1-run games on Monday night in Chattanooga, dropping game one in 11 innings, 3-2 and winning the second contest, 5-4. In game 1, starter Chance Ruffin (5.0,6,2,2,3,6,HR) allowed 2 runs on 6 hits and struck out 6 in 5.0 innings, but didn’t figure into the decision. RH Jonathan Arias (2.2,2,0,0,0,3) and LH Nick Hill (2.0,0,0,0,2,1) combined to hold the Lookouts scoreless over 4.2 innings in relief. RH Forrest Snow (0.2,2,1,1,0,1) recorded his 4th loss of the season, allowing a run with 1 out in the bottom of the 11th inning. C John Hicks (2×5, 2B) led the team with 2 hits, while RF Julio Morban (1×3, 2B, RBI) recorded the team’s only RBI. In game 2, Jackson scored 2 runs over the final 2 innings to come-from-behind to defeat Chattanooga 5-4. Starter Anthony Fernandez (3.2,3,3,3,3,2) made his first start of the season, allowing 3 runs on 3 hits in 3.2 innings. RH Stephen Kohlscheen (3.0,3,1,1,1,3,HR) recorded his first win of the season, allowing 1 run on 3 hits in 3.0 inning in relief, while LH Kyle Hunter (0.1,0,0,0,0,1) struck out the final batter of the game to record his first save. RF James Jones (3×4, 2B, 2 RBI) led the team with 3 hits, while CF Abraham Almonte (2×2, R, 2B, 2 RBI, 3 BB) and 1B Steven Proscia (2×4, R, 2B, RBI) each recorded multi-hit contests.

HITTING FOR THE CYCLE: Abraham Almonte (4×5, 2 R, 2B, 3B, HR, 4 RBI) completed the cycle on Saturday night at Chattanooga. It was the first cycle in Jackson franchise history, dating back to 1998, when the Generals were known as the West Tenn Diamond Jaxx. But it was the 2nd cycle in 10 days for a Mariners prospect after Carlos Triunfel accomplished the feat for Triple-A Tacoma on April 17. Almonte hit a solo homer in in the third inning, a bases-loaded triple in the 4th inning, and singled in the 5th and got his 4th RBI of the evening. After being called out on strikes in the 6th inning, Almonte lined a 2-2 pitch to right field for a double to complete the cycle.

WHO’S HOT: RHP Taijuan Walker has allowed only 1 earned run in his last 4 starts (5 R), lowering his season ERA from 7.20 to 1.55. Overall this season, he is 2-2 with a 1.55 ERA (5 ER, 29.0 IP) in 5 starts. He has limited opponents to a .150 (15×100) average, while walking 18 and striking out 32.
• C John Hicks has hit safely in 10 of his last 11 games, batting .356 (16×45) with 6 runs scored, 3 doubles, 1 triple and 4 RBI.
• OF Abraham Almonte is batting .636 (7×11) with 3 runs scored, 2 doubles, 1 triple, 1 home run and 6 RBI in last 3 games.
• OF Leon Landry has hit safely in 9 of his last 10 games, batting .310 (13×42) with 4 runs scored, 2 doubles, 1 home run and 5 RBI.
• INF Steven Proscia has hit safely in his last 6 games, batting .400 (10×25) with 8 runs scored, 3 doubles, 1 triple, home run and 2 RBI.

TOPS IN THE LEAGUE PITCHING: The Generals pitching staff currently leads the league in ERA (2.90), starters ERA (2.30), hits allowed (174), runs allowed (83) and strikeouts (201).

HOW MANY ONE-RUN GAMES?: So far this season, 15 of the Generals first 25 games have been decided by one run. Jackson is 5-10 in those games. Jackson is also 2-3 in extra-inning games.

My interview today is with Jackson outfielder Abe Almonte who hit for the first cycle in franchise history on Saturday night in Chattanooga. He said this was one of his first English interviews, but he did a really good job. Listen to the full audio below.

Also, re-live the moment when Almonte hit the double in the top of the ninth inning.