Grisham's Three-Run Blast Seals Shuckers Comeback Over Smokies

Trailing 4-0 going to the bottom of the sixth inning, the Biloxi Shuckers (31-23) came back from two different deficits to top the Tennessee Smokies (26-27) 8-5 on Friday night at MGM Park. Trent Grisham gave the Shuckers the lead for good with a three-run homer in the bottom of the eighth, his third extra-base hit of the night.
Biloxi started their comeback with a run in the bottom of the sixth after Grisham led off with a double and scored on a fielding error. In the bottom of the seventh, Robie Rojas and Luis Aviles Jr. both worked walks, bringing up Grisham, who roped a double to the left-field gap, driving in both runners to make it 4-3. Patrick Leonard then brought the Shuckers level with an RBI single two batters later.
The Smokies jumped back in front in the top of the eighth inning thanks to a pair of doubles from Viamel Machin and Jhonny Perada off LHP Cam Roegner (W, 1-0), giving Tennessee a 5-4 advantage. Roegner retired the next two batters in order, polishing off three innings where he allowed just one run on two hits while not walking a batter and striking out three.
Cooper Hummel worked a walk to begin the bottom of the eighth and moved to second on a sacrifice bunt by C.J. Hinojosa. Rojas lined out to deep right field, allowing Hummel to move around to third base. RHP Tommy Nance (L, 1-1) entered the game to face Jake Gatewood, who drew a pinch-hit walk to bring up Aviles. During his at bat, the Shuckers' shortstop lined a ball foul that struck a fan, forcing a delay in the action. When play resumed, Aviles worked a full count before dribbling a ball up the third base line that Nance touched in fair territory, allowing Hummel to race in and score to tie the game at 5-5. Grisham then stepped to the plate and smashed a three-run homer over the right-field wall, giving Biloxi an 8-5 lead. All told, the Brewers' #30 prospect went 3-for-5 with two doubles, a home run and five RBI, the second career five-RBI game for Grisham.
RHP Nate Griep (S, 11) entered the game in the ninth for the Shuckers and struck out the side to secure his 11th save of the year. Griep now has 45 saves in 48 save opportunities for the Shuckers and 99 saves in his career.
The Shuckers fell behind early when the Smokies scored two runs in the top of the first and two runs in the top of the third off RHP Drew Rasmussen. The runs scored in the first snapped a 13.0 inning scoreless streak for the righty. For the Smokies, RHP Thomas Hatch did not receive a decision after throwing 5.1 innings and allowing just one unearned run on three hits while walking one and striking out four.
Having already claimed the series, the Shuckers can go for their third consecutive win as they close out their series with the Smokies on Saturday night at 6:35 pm. Biloxi is slated to send RHP Bowden Francis (1-4, 5.30) to the mound against Smokies RHP Cory Abbott (4-2, 2.88). It's Pride Night at the ballpark, plus a water bottle giveaway for the first 1,500 fans courtesy of Beau Rivage. Gates open at 5:30 pm for a 6:35 pm first pitch. 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.
Full Season Shuck Nation memberships, Weekender Shuck Nation memberships 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. Biloxi will host the 2019 Southern League All-Star Festivities, with a Home Run Derby on Monday, June 17 and the All-Star Game at 6:35 pm on Tuesday, June 18 at MGM Park. Tickets for 2019 All-Star Events 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 and will host the 2019 Southern League All-Star Game on June 18. For more information please visit biloxishuckers.com and follow us on Twitter @biloxishuckers and at facebook.com/biloxishuckers.