Patient Approach, Cornielle's Strong Start Leads Shuckers to Win
SL Biloxi Shuckers

Patient Approach, Cornielle's Strong Start Leads Shuckers to Win

July 22, 2025 - Southern League (SL)
Biloxi Shuckers News Release


Biloxi Shuckers pitcher Alexander Cornielle
Biloxi Shuckers pitcher Alexander Cornielle
(Biloxi Shuckers, Credit: Demetrius Hill)

BILOXI, MS - With 11 walks, seven hits and strong pitching performances from Alexander Cornielle and Abdiel Mendoza, the Biloxi Shuckers (52-39, 10-12) earned a 5-2 win over the Rocket City Trash Pandas (32-58, 8-14) at Keesler Federal Park on Tuesday night. In the win, the Shuckers tied their season-high with 11 walks and reached base 19 times.

The Shuckers started the scoring in the second with an RBI double down the left field line from Bladimir Restituyo and a sacrifice fly from Luis Lara, making it 2-0. They extended the lead in the fourth when Zavier Warren drove in two with a single to left, making it 4-0. Warren's two RBI gave him his team-leading 56 th of the year, the second-most in the Southern League. The Trash Pandas clawed back in the seventh and eighth with RBI singles from Nelson Rada and Evan Edwards. In the bottom of the eighth, Ethan Murray grabbed an insurance run with an RBI groundout, scoring Luis Lara from third.

On the mound, Shuckers' starter Alexander Cornielle turned in his best start of the second half with seven strikeouts and one hit allowed across 4.0 shutout innings. Abdiel Mendoza (4-3) earned the win and continued a resurgent second half with two shutout innings, lowering his ERA to 0.79 across six appearances in the half. Nick Merkel earned the save, his first at the Double-A level and his first since 2023, with two strikeouts in a scoreless ninth. The Shuckers limited the Trash Pandas to 3-for-14 with a runner in scoring position and stranded 14 baserunners. Walbert Ureña (4-6) took the loss for the Trash Pandas.

At the plate, all nine Shuckers' starters reached base at least once while eight of the nine recorded a hit. Luis Lara led the way with three walks while Ethan Murray and Jheremy Vargas each walked twice.

The Shuckers continue the series on Wednesday at 6:35 p.m. at Keesler Federal Park. K.C. Hunt (4-6, 5.43) is slated to start for the Shuckers against Samuel Aldegheri (4-6, 4.75) for the Trash Pandas. It's Military Wednesday presented by Keesler Federal Credit Union, where all military personnel can receive a $3 discount on Dugout Box and Reserved Level tickets. Fans and their four-legged friends can purchase tickets for $16 in advance and sit in dog-friendly Sections 117 and 119 for Bark in the Park. Fans must sign a waiver for their pets to enjoy the game. From 5:30 p.m. open until first pitch, fans can enjoy $4 16oz Corona Premier, Corona Extra, Modelo, Pacifico, $6 High Noon and $8 well cocktails at the Corona Premier Tiki Bar for Happy Hour. Fans can listen live on the Biloxi Shuckers Radio Network with pregame coverage beginning at 6:15 p.m.

Fans can save up to 50% off day-of-game pricing by securing their 2025 Shuck Nation membership today. Shuck Nation memberships, Flex Plans and group outings are available now by visiting biloxishuckers.com, the ballpark offices and by calling (228) 233-3465. Fans can also receive more information regarding the full promotion schedule and single-game tickets on the Shuckers website.

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Images from this story

Biloxi Shuckers pitcher Alexander Cornielle
Biloxi Shuckers pitcher Alexander Cornielle
(Demetrius Hill)		   



Southern League Stories from July 22, 2025


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