James Paxton was the person to watch today for the Jackson Generals and he didn’t disappoint: 4.2 innings, 4 hits, 1 R, 1 BB, 7 strikeouts for Paxton, who moved his ERA up to 0.87 over two starts. He now has pitched 10.1 innings on the year and has a 17:1 K:BB ratio. The issue with Paxton right now is efficiency, as it took 88 pitches to get through those 4.2 innings.
Paxton was the one to watch but 3B Eric Campbell stole the show, hitting a top of the 9th tie-breaking home run to lead the Generals to the 2-1 win over the Tennessee Smokies. Campbell, 26, is in his ninth minor league season, having previously spent time in the Braves and Reds organizations. This is his first year with Seattle, and he’s been a part-time player so far.
Top prospect Nick Franklin went 0-for-2 but drew 2 walks and has reached base in every game so far this season. He is hitting .360/.429/.560 in 25 at-bats.
The Smokies and Generals meet again tomorrow at 3:15 PM PST.