Mudcats lose home contest

Published in Sports on August 25, 2006 2:31 PM

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ZEBULON -- Steven Jackson pitched six scoreless innings, fanning a season-high 10, to lead Tennessee past Carolina 6-2 in the series finale at Five County Stadium on Thursday night.

Jackson (8-10) entered the game with an 0.56 ERA against the Mudcats over five undefeated starts, and did not waver from his dominance during his sixth. Jackson was given a 3-0 lead after three innings thanks to a pair of RBI-singles from Jesus Cota and the league-tying 21 home run by Jerry Gil in the third inning.

Jose Garcia (5-7) allowed three runs over his seven innings in accepting his second straight loss.

Trailing 3-0 in the eighth, Scott Tyler relieved Garcia and permitted a pinch-hit three-run homer by Alex Frazier to put the game out of reach.

Avoiding the shutout, Carolina scored twice in the bottom of the ninth inning, getting the tying run into the on-deck circle before Kevin Randel hit into a game-ending force play.

The Smokies remained 1/2 game behind first place Huntsville with 10 to play in the second half, while Carolina fell 9 1/2 back, still mathematically alive, but with an elimination number of two.

Tennessee won the season series with Carolina 20-10.

The Mudcats open their final road trip of the regular season tonight at Bell South Park in Chattanooga against the Lookouts. James Russ (6-9) will oppose Josh Hall (8-6) at 7:15 .