Wild Back-And-Forth Affair Ends In 10-9 Smokies Victory Over Biloxi

In a game that featured three ties and four lead changes, the Biloxi Shuckers (24-28) fell to the Tennessee Smokies (30-24) 10-9 on Thursday night at MGM Park.

Tennessee scored three runs in the first on a double, two singles, two walks and a fielder’s choice. After a shaky first inning, RHP Noah Zavolas recovered and retired 14 of the next 15 batters, including nine straight from the third through the fifth.

The Shuckers struck back to tie the score in the home half of the third. Sal Frelick started the inning with a solo home run to left, his second of the year, putting the Shuckers on the board at 3-1. Joey Wiemer then worked a walk and stole second before Thomas Dillard earned a free pass, putting two men on with no outs. Following a double steal, Jakson Reetz grounded out to drive in Wiemer and Tristen Lutz singled to send home Dillard and level the game at 3-3.

In the home half of the fourth inning, Yeison Coca reached on a throwing error by Jake Slaughter. A groundout by Frelick moved Coca to second and the Shuckers’ third baseman scored on a single to left by Wiemer, pushing Biloxi to a 4-3 lead. The Smokies would tie the game in the top of the sixth inning on a solo home run by Slaughter, his second of the year at Double-A.

Biloxi’s offense responded in the home half of the sixth. Frelick doubled down the third-base line, his third hit of the night, and Dillard worked his second walk to put two men on base. Reetz followed with a double to left, driving in both runners to vault the Shuckers ahead 6-4. A sacrifice fly by Lutz capped the frame, giving Biloxi a 7-4 lead.

RHP Taylor Floyd (H,1) entered in the top of the seventh and retired two of the first three batters he faced before walking three straight hitters to force in a run. RHP Nash Walters (BS, 3) relieved Floyd but four runs scored on a wild pitch and a three-run homer by Slaughter, his second of the night, putting the Smokies up 9-7.

Yet again, the Shuckers found a reply in the bottom of the seventh. Coca started the stanza with a walk and moved to third on a double by Wiemer. Dillard drove in both runners with a double, bringing the game back even at 9-9. Tennessee would break the tie in the top of the ninth inning with a walk and two singles off RHP Robbie Hitt (L, 2-2). Wiemer singled with one out in the bottom of the ninth inning but was picked off first base by Smokies’ RHP Kyle Johnson (S, 2). The Shuckers’ outfielder was ejected for arguing the call, and Dillard struck out in the ensuing at bat to end the game.

Biloxi’s series with the Smokies continues Friday night at MGM Park. RHP Carlos Luna (0-4, 4.42) takes the mound for the Shuckers opposite Smokies’ RHP Anderson Espinoza (0-4, 7.31) 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.