Historic 15-Run Night Caps Series With BayBears

The Biloxi Shuckers (10-5) closed out a five-game series with the Mobile BayBears (7-7) in authoritative fashion on Friday night, scoring a franchise-record 15 runs in a 15-5 win at Hank Aaron Stadium. Lucas Erceg, the fourth-ranked prospect in the Brewers organization, and shortstop Jake Hager led the way for the Shuckers, as each recorded four hits in the game. 
Trailing 3-2 in the top of the fifth, the Shuckers put together the first of two five-run innings against the BayBears. Quintin Berry started the frame with a walk and moved to third on a single from Troy Stokes Jr. Erceg singled the opposite way in the ensuing at bat, tying the game 3-3. Nick Franklin then doubled down the right field line, driving in another run to give Biloxi a 4-3 edge. Jake Gatewood followed with a ball hit deep to left field that sailed over the head of Zach Gibbons, driving in two runs on Gatewood's first triple of the season. The scoring concluded with a sacrifice fly by Blake Allemand, bringing home Gatewood to push the Shuckers lead to 7-3 lead.
Hager added another run to the Shuckers lead on his own in the top of the sixth. With an RBI double under his belt, Hager drove a ball to left field that Gibbons appeared to have in his glove at a full sprint. However, the left fielder crashed into the wall and lost a hold of the ball. With his head down, Hager dug around third and scored on an inside-the-park home run, pushing the Biloxi lead to 8-3. Gibbons would exit the game following the play.
After the BayBear scored two runs in the bottom of the seventh, Hager and Erceg were in the thick of the Shuckers scoring again. Hager started the top of the eighth with a double and moved to third when Corey Ray reached on a fielding error. Stokes singled to left to drive in a run and Erceg capped the scoring with a single to left, his fourth hit of the night and third RBI, giving the Shuckers a 10-5 lead.
Biloxi didn't relent in the ninth, sending 10 men to the plate. With a runner on base, Hager rolled a ball into left field for his fourth hit of the night. The Shuckers shortstop finished 4-for-5 with two doubles, a home run, two RBI and three runs scored. Quintin Berry and Ray both singled in the next two at bats, driving in another run and loading the bases. Following a strikeout of Stokes, Erceg didn't have the chance to record a fifth hit as he was struck by a pitch. Following a pitching change, catcher Dustin Houle doubled to right field, clearing the bases and giving the Shuckers a 15-5 edge.
For the fifth time in the series, the Shuckers jumped out to an early lead. Batting with two outs in the first inning, Erceg launched the first pitch from RHP Luis Pena (L, 0-2) over the right-field wall for his first home run of the season, giving Biloxi a 1-0 edge. Erceg finished the night 4-for-5 with a home run, four RBI and three runs scored.
Shuckers starter Thomas Jankins (W, 3-0) picked up his third consecutive win for the Shuckers. The former Quinnipiac Bobcat pitched 5.2 innings, allowing three runs, two earned, on four hits while walking four and striking out four.
The Shuckers return to MGM Park on Saturday night at 6:35 pm for a five-game series with the Montgomery Biscuits. Biloxi is scheduled to send RHP Cody Ponce (1-0, 3.48) to the mound opposite Biscuits LHP Génesis Cabrera (0-2, 2.25). On the second Super Saturday of the year, there will be a pregame car show for 'Auto's in the Outfield' starting at 3:30 pm. 'Super Dave' from Coast 102 will be broadcasting live from the car show and registered cars will participate in a pregame parade around the ballpark. Additionally, Chauncey Leopardi, best known for playing 'Squints' in The Sandlot will be at MGM Park for a meet and greet before the game. Gates open at 5:30 pm. 
Single game tickets for the Biloxi Shuckers 2018 season are on sale now and can be purchased at the MGM Park box office or over the phone through Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Season tickets, flex plans and group outings are also available and can be reserved by calling 228-233-3465 or visiting www.biloxishuckers.com.
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.com.