Bennett's Seven Frames Helps Shuckers Start Home Stand With Win

Nick Bennett set a new career high with seven innings pitched as the Biloxi Shuckers (41-45, 7-12 2nd Half) held the Pensacola Blue Wahoos (44-39, 9-10 2nd Half) to two hits in a 5-1 victory on Friday night at MGM Park.

On the mound, Bennett (W, 5-8) got the start for Biloxi and worked out of trouble in the first inning. The southpaw hit the first batter he faced and Victor Victor Mesa followed with a single, putting men on the corners with no outs. Bennett induced a flyout from Troy Johnston then Mesa was thrown out attempting to steal second base for the second out. A flyout from Griffin Conine brought the top of the frame to a close without a run scoring.

RHP Edward Cabrera handled the first three frames for the Wahoos and limited the Shuckers to two base runners in the first three innings. Biloxi would not record their first hit of the game until a single by Tristen Lutz in the fifth.

Bennett allowed just a walk in the fourth as part of a string where he retired 11 of 13 Wahoos’ batters. The lone run of the game scored in the fifth inning when Ray-Patrick Didder walked, was advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt, moved to third on a passed ball and scored on an infield single, only the second hit allowed by Bennett on the night. Following the infield single, Bennett sat down the final eight hitters that he faced, part of his career night in which he allowed just one unearned run and struck out five.

Biloxi’s offense came to life in the home half of the sixth. Sal Frelick greeted LHP Jefrey Yan (L, 1-3; BS, 2) with a solo home run to right, his fourth of the year and second in as many games, tying the game at 1-1. Andruw Monasterio singled before Garrett Mitchell and Thomas Dillard both worked walks, loading the bases with only one out for Lutz. The designated hitter doubled to left field, driving in a pair to make it 3-1. An RBI single by Felix Valerio padded the lead at 4-1 and a throwing error by Paul McIntosh brought in the final run of the game for the Shuckers.

In the eighth inning, RHP Harold Chirino tossed a perfect inning and RHP Zach Vennaro struck out two as part of a perfect ninth. The two hits are the fewest the Shuckers have allowed in a game this season.

The Shuckers continue their three-game series with the Blue Wahoos on Saturday night at MGM Park. LHP Brandon Knarr (1-2, 3.75) is scheduled to start for Biloxi opposite Wahoos’ RHP Zach McCambley (4-5, 5.30) for a 6:35 pm first pitch. The game can be seen on MiLB.TV and heard locally on WGCM AM 1240/FM 100.9 or online here. Individual tickets, Shuck Nation Memberships, Flex Plans and group outings are available for the 2022 season by calling (228) 233-3465 or visiting biloxishuckers.com.

ABOUT THE BILOXI SHUCKERS:

The Biloxi Shuckers are the Double-A Affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers. The Shuckers are members of the Southern League and play at MGM Park in Biloxi, Mississippi. For more information please visit biloxishuckers.comand follow us on Twitter @biloxishuckers and at facebook.com/biloxishuckers.