SL1 Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp

Shuckers Come Back to Take Opener over Shrimp, 5-3

Published on June 8, 2018 under Southern League (SL1)
Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp News Release


JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp built a 3-0 lead through the first five innings, but the Biloxi Shuckers rallied with a two-run sixth inning and three-run eighth on the way to a 5-3 win in front of 6,403 at NAPA AutoCare Family Fireworks Friday at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville.

While Jacksonville right-hander Cody Poteet pitched five scoreless innings, the Jumbo Shrimp (25-34) built a 3-0 lead against Biloxi All-Star right-hander Thomas Jankins. In the bottom of the fourth inning, Jumbo Shrimp second baseman Isan Diaz extended his five-game hitting streak with a leadoff single to left-center field. Left fielder Peter O'Brien then hit a two-run home run out of the ballpark to left field, marking his third straight game with a home run. In the bottom of the fifth inning, shortstop Mason Davis singled and went to second base on a wild pitch, Poteet had a bunt single, and right fielder Cade Gotta had an RBI fielder's choice. All-Star center fielder Monte Harrison singled, and a double steal by Gotta and Harrison, followed by an intentional walk, loaded the bases. Jankins got O'Brien to pop out, and left-hander Quintin Torres-Costa struck out All-Star first baseman Eric Jagielo to end the inning with a 3-0 Jacksonville lead.

The Shuckers (36-25) began their comeback against Jacksonville right-hander Brett Graves, making his fourth Southern League appearance on a rehab assignment from the Miami Marlins. Shuckers third baseman Lucas Erceg singled, and All-Star shortstop Jake Hager hit a two-run home run to left field. Two walks and a hit batter loaded the bases, but Graves got two strikeouts to escape the inning with a 3-2 lead. He allowed two earned runs in 1 1/3 innings, before left-hander Jeff Kinley (3-1) struck out Erceg and Hager to end the seventh inning.

In the top of the eighth inning against Kinley, Biloxi right fielder Trent Grisham hit a leadoff single, and catcher Tyler Heineman doubled to right field. Kinley struck out pinch hitter Clint Coulter, before All-Star center fielder Corey Ray hit a two-run double to right field. Ray then stole third base and scored on an errant throw by Jacksonville All-Star catcher Rodrigo Vigil to make it 5-3. Biloxi had scoreless relief the final four innings, with two from left-hander Brad Kuntz (2-0), and one each from right-handers Daniel Reynolds and All-Star Nate Griep, who got his Southern League-best 21st save.

UP NEXT: The Jumbo Shrimp continue their series with Biloxi at 6:35 p.m. Saturday, when Jacksonville All-Star right-hander Nick Neidert (6-3) is scheduled to face Shuckers right-hander Cody Ponce (2-4). Gates open at 5:30 p.m., when the first 2,000 fans receive a Jumbo Shrimp Beach Towel, courtesy of 121 Financial and Hyatt Regency Jacksonville. For '90s Night, the Jumbo Shrimp will wear fauxback jerseys and caps. The jerseys will be auctioned off during the game. Following the game are Saturday Fireworks, which follow every Saturday home game through June 16.

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Southern League Stories from June 8, 2018


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