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SL1 Biloxi Shuckers

Shuckers Clinch South Division First Half Crown After 9-0 Thrashing of M-Braves

June 14, 2015 - Southern League (SL1)
Biloxi Shuckers News Release


PEARL, MS - The Shuckers clinched the first half Southern League South Division title with a 9-0 win over the Mississippi Braves at Trustmark Park on Sunday night. Biloxi has taken the last three games over Mississippi after dropping the series opener, and has claimed its sixth consecutive series victory (10-4 on the year). The Shuckers have shutout the Braves the last two nights by a combined score of 12-0, and have outscored the Braves 22-2 in the three wins. It was Biloxi's seventh shutout of the season.

The Shuckers become just the second full-season club to clinch a first half title, joining the Texas League's Corpus Christi Hooks (HOU). Biloxi clinches the half with six games remaining, including five with Montgomery starting on Wednesday at MGM Park. This is the second-straight season the Brewers' Double-A club has won a first half as the Huntsville Stars won the Southern League North first half with 12 games remaining on June 2, 2014.

Starting pitching continued to dominate for the Shuckers against the Braves, as Brooks Hall (W, 7-3, 8 IP, 2 H, BB, 5 SO) allowed just one hit through the first eight innings and walked one while picking up five strikeouts in his longest outing of the season. The Shuckers have won the righty's last three starts. Biloxi starters have delivered 10 quality starts over the last 13 games, with an ERA less than two.

"I'm pitching well right now and being consistent on the mound, throwing strikes," added starting pitcher Brooks Hall who improves to 3-0 in June. "To throw eight innings like that in a clinching win is just incredible."

Biloxi (39-24) scored first for the fourth consecutive game against Mississippi (32-30), this time putting up five runs in the sixth to break open a scoreless contest.

Kyle Wren (2x5, 2 R) and Nathan Orf (3x4, RBI, R) started things off with back-to-back singles, putting men at second and third for the Shuckers. Orlando Arcia (2x5, 2 RBI, 2 R) drove the runners home with a single down the right field line to give Biloxi a 2-0 lead. Michael Reed (2x5, RBI, R, 2B) followed with a RBI double to plate Arcia for a three-run advantage. A groundout by Nick Ramirez (1x5, RBI, R, 2B) moved Reed to third and Tyrone Taylor (3x5, 2 RBI, R) singled home the runner from third for the fourth run of the inning. After a Nick Shaw (0x4, RBI, BB) fly out, Adam Weisenburger (2x4, RBI, 2B) drove a double to right, allowing Taylor to score from first.

Taylor's single in the second extended his hitting streak to a season-high six games, and Wren's multi-hit performance now gives the Shuckers' outfielder 12 in his last 19 games dating back to May 24.

"We hit the ball hard today and (Brooks Hall) was unbelievable on the mound. I am honestly so excited right now, I don't know what to say," added Taylor.

Biloxi tacked on three more runs in the seventh and one more in the ninth to blow the game open and secure the division-clinching win.

Wren recorded his 12th multi-hit performance over his last 19 games is now batting .300 on the season and .397 in June.

"We can rest easy for the rest of the first half, because we have clinched the half, but that doesn't mean we will play any less hard," said Wren. "We just want to continue this into the second half."

The Shuckers will look for their first four-game winning streak on the road in the series finale on Monday night, where RHP Hiram Burgos (3-0, 3.68) will take on RHP RHP Tyrell Jenkins (4-3, 3.00). First pitch is scheduled for 7:00 p.m., with coverage beginning at 6:45 p.m. on 1240-AM WGCM and the Biloxi Shuckers Radio Network. Fans can also listen to the game using the TuneIn Radio app or by going to www.biloxishuckers.com.

The Shuckers return to MGM Park on Wednesday, June 17 for a five-game series with the Montgomery Biscuits (TB). Game times each night are at 7:10 p.m. Tickets can be purchased by visiting www.biloxishuckers.com, www.ticketmaster.com, at the Shuckers Team Store or by calling 800-745-3000. Also fans can purchase season tickets, mini plans and group tickets by calling the Shuckers' administrative offices at (228) 233-3465.

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