Slammin Sunday! Shuckers Second Slam Seals Series Split With Smokies

After being no-hit through the first six innings, the Biloxi Shuckers (8-10) rallied for seven runs in the final three frames to down the Tennessee Smokies (7-10) 7-3 on Sunday afternoon at Smokies Stadium.

Trailing 1-0 in the top of the seventh, Alexander Palma broke up the no-hitter with a solo home run to right, his second homer of the season, to knot the game at 1-1. Two walks from LHP Wyatt Short (L, 0-1) and a fielder’s choice loaded up the bases for catcher Brent Diaz, who launched a grand slam over the left field wall, his first home run with the Shuckers, to vault Biloxi ahead 5-1. It was the second grand slam of the series for the Shuckers, who also hit one on Friday night.

Tennessee struck for two runs in the bottom of the seventh on a two-run homer by Christopher Morel, but LHP Andy Otero (H, 1) entered and retired the two batters he was tasked with to end the Smokies’ threat.

Biloxi regained a four-run advantage in the top of the eighth inning by yet again loading the bases for Chad Spanberger, who drew a walk to force in a run. Diaz then stepped to the plate but swung at only one of five pitches as he drew a walk to force in another run, his fifth RBI of the day.

RHP Jake Cousins came into the game in the bottom of the eighth with a runner on and recorded all three outs, stretching his scoreless streak to eighth innings to start the year. RHP Peter Strzelecki faced the minimum in the ninth to close it out for Biloxi.

Starter RHP Noah Zavolas (W, 1-1) earned the victory by turning in the first quality start of the year for any Shuckers’ pitcher. The lone run he allowed came in the bottom of the third inning, when Connor Myers drew a one-out walk, stole second, advanced on a groundout and scored on an infield single by Darius Hill. Zavolas finished his outing by retiring eight of the last nine batters he faced as part of six strong innings, allowing three hits and walking three while striking out three.

After an off day on Monday, the Shuckers begin a six-game series against the Pensacola Blue Wahoos on Tuesday night at MGM Park. Biloxi is scheduled to send RHP Bowden Francis (3-0, 2.93) to the hill opposite Blue Wahoos’ RHP Max Meyers (1-1, 3.07) for a 6:35 pm first pitch. The game can be heard locally on Cruisin’ WGCM AM 1240/FM 100.9, online here or on the MiLB App. Fans can also watch the game on MiLB.TV and can save $10 on their subscription when they use the promo code “Shuckers.”

Individual tickets are on sale now for all 2021 Shuckers home games and promotions for May can be found here. Full Shuck Nation Membershipsand Half Shell Shuck Nation Memberships, flex plans and group outings are available by calling 228-233-3465 and selecting Option 3.

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 are members of the Double-A South. For more information, please visit biloxishuckers.comand follow us on Twitter @biloxishuckers and at facebook.com/biloxishuckers.