Biloxi Bashes Four Homers in 7-2 Win Over Jacksonville

A half-hour rain delay didn't dampen the Biloxi Shuckers (66-45, 25-16 2nd Half) bats as they exploded for a 7-2 win over the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp (52-59, 23-18) on Friday night at MGM Park. Biloxi connected for four home runs on the night, the third time this season they've launched four longballs in a game.
Jacksonville took the lead in the top of the first inning when Lewin Diaz hit a towering homer to right off Shuckers LHP Cameron Roegner (W, 4-4). Roegner would retire ten of the next 12 batters faced and give his offense a chance to go to work.
In the bottom of the first, Ryan Aguilar registered his first Double-A hit in emphatic fashion, an opposite-field homer to left, to knot the game at 1-1. Cooper Hummel then struck out on a ball down in the dirt but took first on a wild pitch from RHP Pablo López (L, 0-2). Two batters later, Dillon Thomas tripled into the right-field corner, driving in Hummel to give Biloxi a 2-1 lead. Jake Gatewood plated Thomas with a groundout, putting the Shuckers up 3-1 heading to the second.
After retiring the side in order on the mound, Roegner led off the bottom of the second with a walk and was cancelled out on a fielder's choice by Aguilar. Hummel added to the Shuckers lead with a no-doubt blast to right, his 13th of the season, to extend the Shuckers lead to 5-1.
The Jumbo Shrimp chased Roegner in the fifth after a run scored on a throwing error. RHP Justin Topa (H, 2) entered and got the first out on a fielder's choice. Anfernee Seymour then lined out to second baseman C.J. Hinojosa, who turned and fired to first for a double play, ending the Jumbo Shrimp threat. All told, Roegner fired five innings and allowed two runs on three hits while walking two and striking out three.
Biloxi responded with two runs in the bottom of the sixth on a pair of solo home runs. Hinojosa went the opposite way for his sixth home run of the season, and Hummel followed two batters later with a 421-foot homer to left, his second homer of the night, to push the Shuckers to their final line at 7-2. It was the first multi-homer game of Hummel's career and fourth multi-homer game by a Shuckers player this season. RHP Jon Olczak and RHP Nate Griep each contributed a scoreless inning out of the bullpen to secure the victory for Biloxi.
With the series even at a game apiece, the Shuckers continue their five-game series against the Jumbo Shrimp on Saturday night at MGM Park. Biloxi will throw RHP Drew Rasmussen (1-3, 3.60) and the Jumbo Shrimp will counter with RHP Jorge Guzman (4-10, 4.14). The game can be heard locally in Biloxi on Cruisin' WGCM AM 1240/100.9 FM, TuneIn Radio or the MiLB First Pitch App and can be seen on MiLB.TV. Fans can save $10 off their subscription when they use the promo code 'Shuckers' at checkout.
It's Mardi Gras Night at the ballpark, with a pregame Mardi Gras parade on the concourse. The first 1,000 fans will receive a Mardi Gras themed Shuckers hat as they enter the gates and Shuckers players will wear special Mardi Gras jerseys designed by local artist Matt Stebly. Fans can bid on the game-worn jerseys throughout the night, with a live auction taking place in front of the Shuckers Shop in the sixth inning. Once the game is over, winning bidders will go down to the field and receive their jersey from the Shuckers player. Gates open at 5:30 pm for a 6:35 pm first pitch.
Half-Season Shuck Nation Memberships, Flex Plans and Group Outings for the 2019 Biloxi Shuckers season are on sale now and are available for purchase by calling 228-233-3465, online at biloxishuckers.com or by visiting the MGM Park front office. The Biloxi Shuckers will host Game 1 and Game 2 of the South Division Championship Series on September 4 & 5 at MGM Park. Tickets for all six potential playoff games at MGM Park are on sale now.
ABOUT THE BILOXI SHUCKERS:
The Biloxi Shuckers are the Double-A Affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers. The Shuckers play at MGM Park in Biloxi, Mississippi. For more information please visit biloxishuckers.com and follow us on Twitter @biloxishuckers and at facebook.com/biloxishuckers.