After leading wire-to-wire in their first three games against the Chattanooga Lookouts (21-21), the Biloxi Shuckers (24-20) mounted a comeback to claim their sixth straight win, topping the Lookouts 5-4 on Sunday evening at MGM Park. Bruce Caldwell led the offense with a three-hit day, one of three Shuckers players
After leading wire-to-wire in their first three games against the Chattanooga Lookouts (21-21), the Biloxi Shuckers (24-20) mounted a comeback to claim their sixth straight win, topping the Lookouts 5-4 on Sunday evening at MGM Park. Bruce Caldwell led the offense with a three-hit day, one of three Shuckers players with multiple hits on the day.
Biloxi jumped out to an early lead in the second on a solo home run by C.J. Hinojosa, his second of the year, to put the Shuckers up 1-0. RHP Drew Rasmussen didn't factor into the decision but tossed four scoreless innings for Biloxi, allowing just one hit and walking two while striking out a season-best six batters. Rasmussen has now tossed nine scoreless innings over his last three starts.
Chattanooga tied the contest in the fifth when Gavin LaValley connected for a solo homer to left, his third of the season. The Lookouts went in front in the top of the sixth on a two-RBI double to left from Brantley Bell, giving the visitors a 3-1 advantage.
RHP Johendí Jiminian departed in the bottom of the sixth after allowing back-to-back singles to Cooper Hummel and Patrick Leonard, giving way to RHP Joel Kuhnel (L, 0-1). Caldwell stepped to the plate and catapulted a fastball out to right that dropped over the fence for a three-run homer, Caldwell's third of the season, putting Biloxi back in front at 4-3.
In an immediate response, the Lookouts evened the score in the top of the seventh on a sacrifice fly by Taylor Trammell. RHP Aaron Kurcz (W, 2-0) prevented any further damage, setting the stage for the Shuckers offense. Robie Rojas singled to start the bottom of the seventh inning and Jake Gatewood followed with a double down the left field line. After an intentional walk to Grisham loaded the bases, Hummel delivered a deep fly to left field, allowing Rojas to tag up and score the go-ahead run.
RHP Nate Griep (S, 8) entered in the top of the ninth and allowed just a single en route to his eighth save. Griep is now 8-for-8 in save opportunities this year and registered his 96th career save on Sunday.
The Shuckers can sweep Chattanooga with a win in the series finale on Monday night. RHP Bowden Francis (1-3, 5.81) takes the hill for the Shuckers against Lookouts RHP Tony Santillan (0-2, 3.95) for a 6:35 pm first pitch at MGM Park. It's Barks & Brews Monday presented by Raising Cane's and F.E.B. Distributing. Fans can enjoy $3 craft beer refills at the Buena Vista Beer Garden all night with the purchase of a 20 oz. Monday Mug. Dogs are also welcome at the ballpark when their owner purchases a $7 berm ticket. 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.
