Three-Run Eighth Sinks Shuckers in Opener Against Smokies

The Tennessee Smokies (30-22) used a three-run eighth inning to top the Biloxi Shuckers (23-27) 5-2 on Tuesday night at MGM Park.

The Shuckers got off to a quick start, striking for the first run in the first inning. Sal Frelick doubled on the third pitch he saw and two batters later, Jakson Reetz singled through the right side, driving in Frelick to give Biloxi a 1-0 advantage.

Tennessee struck back for a run in the top of the second on an RBI groundout after a hit by pitch and a double, knotting the game at 1-1. RHP T.J. Shook struck out the next two batters to limit the damage, kicking off a string of eight straight retired.

Noah Campbell’s first Double-A home run gave Biloxi the lead again, a solo shot to start off the third inning. The lead was short lived as Matt Mervis hit a solo homer to right with two outs in the top of the fourth, his seventh of the year, to bring the game back level at 2-2.

Biloxi had their best chance to go back in front in the bottom of the sixth. Frelick doubled with one out, his second two bagger of the evening, and Felix Valerio followed with an infield single. A balk advanced both runners and a walk to Thomas Dillard loaded the bases. RHP Blake Whitney (W, 3-2) entered for RHP Chris Clarke and struck out the next batter to leave the bases full.

In the top of the eighth, Luis Vazquez homered to start the inning off RHP Kent Hasler (0-1), giving the Smokies the lead for the first time. A two-out single, walk and double plated two more to push Tennessee ahead 5-2. LHP Bailey Horn (S,1) allowed a single and struck out one to secure the save for the Smokies.

Biloxi and Tennessee continue their six-game series on Wednesday night at MGM Park. LHP Brandon Knarr (NR) will make his Double-A debut while LHP Dalton Stambaugh (3-0, 4.44) toes the slab for a 6:35 pm first pitch. The game can be seen on MiLB.TV and heard locally on WGCM AM 1240/FM 100.9 or online here. Individual tickets, Shuck Nation Memberships, Flex Plans and group outings are available for the 2022 season by calling (228) 233-3465 or visiting biloxishuckers.com.

ABOUT THE BILOXI SHUCKERS:

The Biloxi Shuckers are the Double-A Affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers. The Shuckers are members of the Southern League and play at MGM Park in Biloxi, Mississippi. For more information please visit biloxishuckers.comand follow us on Twitter @biloxishuckers and at facebook.com/biloxishuckers.