Three-run sixth sinks Jacksonville 5-2
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp had no answer for the tough Memphis Redbirds bullpen as they fell 5-2 Thursday night at AutoZone Park. After tying the game in the top of the sixth, Memphis (38-34) got the bats going in the bottom of the sixth. With one out,
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp had no answer for the tough Memphis Redbirds bullpen as they fell 5-2 Thursday night at AutoZone Park.
After tying the game in the top of the sixth, Memphis (38-34) got the bats going in the bottom of the sixth. With one out, Jordan Walker and César Prieto knocked back-to-back base hits off Jacksonville (32-40) reliever Bryan Hoeing (L, 0-1). Jared Youngsmacked the third-straight hit of the inning, scoring Walker from second to break the tie 3-2. Prieto advanced to third and scored on a single from Moisés Gomez and Young went first to third. With runners at the corners, two batters later, Gavin Collins plated Young on a base hit giving the Redbirds a 5-2 advantage.
After trading zeroes through the first three frames, Memphis took the initial lead in the bottom of the fourth. Matt Koperniak led off the inning with a walk and Jordan Walker (3) blasted a two-run homer putting the Redbirds ahead 2-0.
The Jumbo Shrimp evened the game in the top of the sixth inning. Victor Mesa Jr. and Jonah Bride drew walks to start the frame. Two batters later, Will Banfield reached on an infield single to load the bases. Tristan Gray reached on a fielder’s choice but Mesa Jr. was thrown out at the plate keeping Memphis ahead 2-0. In the ensuing at-bat, Javier Sanoja smacked a base hit, scoring Bride and Banfield to even the score at two apiece.
Jacksonville and Memphis continue the series Friday at 8:05 p.m. ET from AutoZone Park. Memphis will hand the ball to RHP Michael McGreevy (3-7, 5.11 ERA). Coverage begins at 7:50p.m. ET on ESPN 690 and espn690.com.
ABOUT THE JUMBO SHRIMP: The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp are the Triple-A affiliate of the Miami Marlins and compete in the International League. The team calls 121 Financial Ballpark home for baseball but also a wide variety of additional community focused events with a goal of providing Affordable, Family, FUN to Northeast Florida. Winners of many marketing and sales awards and recognition since the team was rebranded prior to the 2017 season, the Jumbo Shrimp continually lead the state of Florida in attendance across all minor league professional sports organizations.