Saturday, July 23, 2005

L 5-4

Zebulon, NC --- Justin Ruggiano keyed a late-inning rally for the Jacksonville Suns, doubling in the tying and winning runs as the Suns defeated the Carolina Mudcats 5-4 on Saturday night before 5,853 fans at Five County Stadium.

Ruggiano fouled off six 3-2 pitches from Jerrod Fuell (L, 3-2) before swatting a double against the centerfield wall to put the Suns (15-12, 53-44) ahead 5-4. 

The game had see-sawed with Carolina holding leads of 2-1 and 4-3 and the Suns advantages of 1-0 and 3-2. 

Nic Ungs took a no-decision, remaining unbeaten since May 17th, pitching six innings allowing seven hits and three runs. 

Trailing 3-2 in the seventh, the Mudcats built a two-out push against winning pitcher Jason Olsen (W, 1-3).  Reggie Abercrombie doubled, Drew Niles walked and Rex Rundgren singled in the tying run.  Pinch-hitter JC Muniz followed with a chopper to center for a 4-3 lead. 

Carolina's three-game winning streak was snapped with the loss.

Adam Bostick (1-1, 3.97) starts Sunday against William Juarez (4-2, 3.98) at 4:00 PM ET in the series finale.

JACKSONVILLE            0 1 0   0 1 1   0 2 0   ---   5   10   1   8

CAROLINA                   0 0 0   2 0 0   2 0 0   ---   4    5     1   4

WP - Olson (1-3)

LP - Fuell (3-2)

S - Kuo (1)

HR - None

Time:  2:51

Att:  5,853