06/22/05 - Southern League (SL) Jacksonville Suns

JACKSON, Tenn. - Sergio Garcia drove in the tying and go-ahead runs for the Suns who won despite three ejections, beating the West Tenn Diamond Jaxx, 5-4, in 11 innings in front of 1,841 fans Wednesday morning at Pringles Park.

Garcia singled home Delwyn Young to tie the game, 4-4, in the seventh and repeated the feat, giving the Suns the lead in the 11th. Garcia's two hits staged a comeback bid for the Suns, breaking a four-game losing streak.

Todd Donovan, Jon Weber and James Loney were ejected in the seventh inning in three separate incidents. Donovan argued that he hit a ball off the plate, thus foul, but it was ruled fair and he was thrown out both at first base and, then, after arguing, the game. Weber took a called strike three and was ejected after arguing. Loney threw the pine tar stick in the direction of teammate Delwyn Young near the batter's box, but it was deemed in the vicinity of the home plate umpire, and the third base umpire ejected Loney, who was replaced in the lineup by Garcia.

As a result of the ejections, Eric Langill played a position other than catcher for the first time in his career and recorded four putouts at first base without error. David Nicholson played the outfield (right field) for the first time as a professional. Garcia played center field for the fifth time in his career.

Suns relievers Richard Bartlett and Luis Gonzalez held the Diamond Jaxx hitless from the fifth through 10th innings. Gonzalez (7-1) earned the win and Jason Olson pitched a scoreless 11th for his fifth save.

Shortstop Joel Guzman made a fielding error, but threw out Brandon Sing at the plate in the 11th, preserving the Suns lead.

Andy LaRoche hit a three-run home run off Diamond Jaxx starter Sean Marshall in the first inning, giving the Suns a 3-0 lead. Marshall pitched five innings and allowed one hit after the first in his first start since being promoted from Class A Daytona.

Suns starter Joel Hanrahan pitched five innings and allowed four runs, including home runs to Sing and Adam Greenberg.

Jon Connolly (2-2) allowed five hits over the final two innings and earned the loss.

Right-hander Justin Orenduff (first Class AA start) is scheduled to oppose West Tenn righty Ricky Nolasco (6-0, 2.51) at 8:05 p.m. Wednesday as the Suns (39-33, 1-1 second half) face the Diamond Jaxx (45-26, 1-1) in the third game of a four-game series. Broadcast time on WFXJ-AM 930 The Fox and www.jacksonville.com is 7:50 p.m.

SUNS SPOTS: The Suns stranded a season-high 14 runners. ...Donovan's hitting streak ended at nine games. ...The Suns played an 11th inning for the first time this season. The game was also the longest, lasting three hours, 55 minutes. ...The Diamond Jaxx held its "Super Splash Day," hence the 11:05 a.m. CT start.