SL1 Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp

Smokies Build Early Lead, Hold off Jumbo Shrimp, 7-3

Published on May 10, 2018 under Southern League (SL1)
Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp News Release


JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - The Tennessee Smokies built a 5-0 lead by the third inning and went on to a 7-3 win over the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp in front of 5,536 at Budweiser Thirsty Thursday at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville.

The Smokies (18-15) took the lead in the first inning, as the first four batters collected hits off right-hander Cody Poteet (2-3). After singles by center fielder Charcer Burks and second baseman Trent Giambrone, shortstop Zack Short chopped an RBI double down the left-field line. First baseman Yasiel Balaguert hit an RBI single to right field for a 2-0 Tennessee lead.

The visitors' lead grew in the third inning. Burks reached on an error by third baseman Brian Schales, Giambrone singled, and Poteet hit short with a pitch. With one out, right fielder Eddy Martinez hit a three-run double to deep left-center field to make it 5-0. Poteet allowed five runs - four earned - on six hits with no walks and three strikeouts in 2 2/3 innings. In relief of Poteet, right-hander Chris Mazza, who pitched for Jacksonville in 2016 and 2017, made his 2018 Southern League debut.

Trailing, 5-0, against Smokies right-hander Oscar De La Cruz (4-3), the Jumbo Shrimp (13-20) scored a third-inning run when center fielder Monte Harrison hit his second double to left field and scored on right fielder John Norwood's single. In the fourth inning, Schales doubled to right-center field and scored on left fielder Kyle Barrett's RBI triple down the right-field line. De La Cruz hit catcher Rodrigo Vigil with a pitch, and shortstop Chris Diaz's bunt RBI single cut the deficit to 5-3. Mazza's sacrifice put two runners in scoring position, and second baseman Isan Diaz walked to load the bases. De La Cruz then struck out Harrison and Norwood with the bases loaded. De La Cruz finished five innings, allowing three earned runs on nine hits and two walks with five strikeouts. Three Smokies relievers combined for four scoreless innings.

Tennessee's final runs came on pinch hitter Trey Martin's sixth-inning, two-run home run off Mazza, who pitched 3 1/3 innings. Jumbo Shrimp right-handers Zech Lemond (two innings) and Jose Pena (one inning) combined for hitless relief.

UP NEXT: The Jumbo Shrimp conclude their series with Tennessee at 7:05 p.m. Friday, when Jacksonville right-hander Max Duval (1-3) is scheduled to face Smokies right-hander Michael Rucker (2-2). Fans may visit any participating NAPA AutoCare Center to get a FREE general admission ticket (reserved seat upgrade available at the box office) for the game that concludes with NAPA AutoCare Family Fireworks. The Jumbo Shrimp wear red "Bold City" jerseys to support the military on Red Shirt Friday, when fans who wear red can save $1 per ticket at the box office or donate the $1 to the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund. Friday Night Lites Miller Lite Happy Hour offers $1 12-oz. Miller Lite and $1 off craft beer specials in the Craft Cave by the third-base gates until 7:30 p.m. The game is presented by 96.1 WEJZ.

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Southern League Stories from May 10, 2018


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