Jacob Gonzalez hadn't played since Sept. 8, so with the Southern League playoffs about to get started and anywhere from two to six games remaining in the season, it wasn't a surprise to see him post on Instagram Monday with a caption reading "First season in the books."
But that did make it a surprise when Gonzalez appeared as a pinch hitter in Game 1 of Birmingham's Southern League Division Series against the Tennessee Smokies Tuesday night. Sergio Santos called for him to pinch-hit for No. 9 hitter Jason Matthews with the bases loaded and two outs in the bottom of the eighth, and popped out to the shortstop on four pitches.
For more on the quiet ending -- but not end -- to Gonzalez's season, read James' post from Monday.
Syracuse 15, Charlotte 7
- Colson Montgomery went 2-for-3 with a double and two walks.
- Tim Elko was 2-for-4 with a homer, walk and strikeout.
- Oscar Colás struck out thrice during an 0-for-5 night.
- Jordan Leasure: 0.1 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 1 K, 10 of 20 pitches for strikes.
Tennessee 3, Birmingham 1
- Rikuu Nishida went 1-for-5 with two strikeouts.
- Wilfred Veras singled, walked, struck out thrice and stole a base.
- DJ Gladney singled and struck out four times.
- Terrell Tatum was 1-for-2 with two walks and two stolen bases.
- Juan Carela: 5 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 4 K, 1 HBP, 52 of 76 pitches for strikes.
- Peyton Pallette rebounded: 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K, 23 of 31 pitches for strikes.
Notes:
*Birmingham trails 1-0 in the best-of-three.
