The Carolina Mudcats’ chances to make a long-shot comeback for a playoff berth got even longer.
Brad Davis’ two-run homer in the sixth inning was the killer blow as the Jacksonville Suns topped the visiting Mudcats 5-2 in the opener of their five-game series. Carolina’s “tragic number” is down to 12.
The homer came off losing pitcher Luis Montano (0-4), who has dropped all four of his Double-A starts.
Jacksonville led 2-0 through three innings before one blast scored Carolina’s runs.
Former Mudcats pitcher Anibal Sanchez, possibly making the final start of his current Major League rehab, had retired the first nine batters in order before walking Sean Henry to lead off the fourth. Shaun Cumberland (pictured) then followed by rocketing a 3-1 fastball into the right-field bleachers.
Jacksonville added an insurance run against Ruben Medina in the seventh on a Logan Morrison double.
The series continues Tuesday night at 7:05, with Carolina’s Tom Cochran (4-5, 3.27) starting against Graham Taylor (6-6, 4.09).