SL1 Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp

Blue Wahoos Come Back to Beat Jumbo Shrimp, 6-4

Published on May 30, 2018 under Southern League (SL1)
Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp News Release


JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - The Pensacola Blue Wahoos overcame a 3-1 deficit and broke a 3-3 tie with a three-run eighth inning in a 6-4 win over the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp in front of 1,600 at the first Publix Corks and Forks Wednesday at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville.

Jacksonville right-hander Pablo Lopez allowed two earned runs in a six-inning start, raising his ERA to 0.62, the best in the Southern League. Pensacola (21-31) took the lead with right-handed pitcher Keury Mella's first career home run leading off the third inning. In the bottom of the inning, Jacksonville (21-31) answered with a two-out solo home run by second baseman Isan Diaz to the right-center field bleachers.

The Jumbo Shrimp took the lead in the bottom of the fourth inning. Mella walked the first two batters, catcher Sharif Othman put down a sacrifice bunt, and shortstop Luis Pintor hit a go-ahead single to left field. Lopez put down a bunt that scored another run, but Mella retired the next two batters to end the inning. He lasted five innings, allowing three earned runs on two hits and a season-high seven walks with six strikeouts. Mella and four relievers combined to retired 17 of the final 18 Jumbo Shrimp batters, with first baseman Eric Jagielo's eighth-inning homer the only other Jacksonville run. Left-hander Kevin Canelon (1-0) earned a win with a scoreless inning, and right-hander Alex Powers earned his fourth save.

Lopez allowed a fifth-inning leadoff home run by Pensacola center fielder C.J. McElroy to left field. After allowing a single, Lopez retired the final six batters he faced, scattering six hits and one walk with nine strikeouts.

Jacksonville left-hander Jeff Kinley began the seventh inning with a 3-2 lead. Pinch hitter Alberti Chavez singled to left field, went to second base on McElroy's sacrifice and scored the tying run on a two-out error by third baseman Brian Schales. In the pivotal eighth inning against right-hander Kyle Keller (1-2), Pensacola shortstop Luis Gonzalez singled. Left fielder Daniel Sweet singled to left field, and left fielder Cade Gotta's errant throw allowed Gonzalez to score the go-ahead run and sent Sweet to third base. Third baseman Taylor Sparks' bunt scored another run, as did Keller's two-out wild pitch.

UP NEXT: The Jumbo Shrimp continue their series with Pensacola at 7:05 p.m. Thursday, when Jacksonville right-hander Robert Dugger (0-0) is scheduled to face Blue Wahoos left-hander Seth Varner (2-0). Gates open at 6 p.m. for Budweiser Thirsty Thursday, when fans can purchase $1 12-oz. and $2 24-oz. beers adjacent to the Budweiser Tiki Terrace, along the right-field concourse and at the Oasis concessions stand behind Section 115. For '90s Night, the Jumbo Shrimp will wear fauxback jerseys and caps. The jerseys will be auctioned off during the game. The game is presented by Cox Media.

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Southern League Stories from May 30, 2018


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