Bullpen Dominates in Shuckers 4-3, Comeback Win, Over M-Braves

PEARL, MS – Despite an early three-run deficit, the Biloxi Shuckers (5-4) used four unanswered runs and five shutout innings from the bullpen to secure their third straight win and a series split against the Mississippi Braves (3-6) at Trustmark Park on Sunday afternoon.

The M-Braves offense struck early with a first-inning lead thanks to an RBI double from Keshawn Ogans, making it 1-0. They extended their lead to three in the fourth after a solo shot from Cal Conley and an RBI triple from Cody Milligan. Conley’s solo shot was the first home run surrendered by Shuckers pitching in 2024.

The Shuckers started the comeback in the fifth after M-Braves starter J.J. Niekro departed with runners on second and third and two outs. Carlos Rodriguez then tallied Biloxi’s first runs with a two-RBI single to center. The RBI were Rodriguez’s first of the year and cut the deficit to 3-2. In the sixth, Ethan Murray smashed a ground-rule double over the wall in right-center before Freddy Zamora tied the game at three with a 106 MPH single back up the middle.

Biloxi took the lead in the seventh with a leadoff triple from Noah Campbell that left the bat at 103 MPH and a sacrifice fly from Rodriguez two batters later, giving the Shuckers a 4-3 lead.

After TJ Shook struck out six and allowed three runs over four innings, the Shuckers bullpen dominated over the final five frames. Sam Carlson (1-0), who earned the win, tossed a scoreless fifth. Sam Gardner then threw a perfect sixth with two strikeouts and James Meeker struck out five over two innings. The five strikeouts for Meeker marked his most in a relief outing since he struck out six on April 18, 2023, at Rocket City.

In the ninth, Justin Yeager locked down his second save of the year after working around a leadoff walk. Trey Riley (0-1) took the loss for the M-Braves.

After a Monday off-day, the Shuckers return to Shuckers Ballpark for a six-game set with the Chattanooga Lookouts. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 on Tuesday for Jackie Robinson Day. It’s also the first Brew Crew Tuesday of the season presented by Coors Light. Fans can purchase a 20oz souvenir tumbler for $13 with $7 refills at the first and third-base Beer Gardens. The first 250 fans will also receive a Biloxi Southern Negro League T-Shirt presented by The Peoples Bank in celebration of Jackie Robinson Day. Fans can listen live on Biloxi Shuckers Radio Network with pregame coverage beginning at 6:15 p.m. from the Ground Zero Blues Club Broadcast Booth.

Fans can save up to 50% off day-of-game pricing by securing their 2024 Shuck Nation membership today. Shuck Nation memberships, Flex Plans and group outings are available now by visiting biloxishuckers.com, the ballpark offices and by calling (228) 233-3465. Fans can also receive more information regarding the full promotion schedule and single-game tickets on the Shuckers website.

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 Shuckers Ballpark in Biloxi, Mississippi. For more information please visit biloxishuckers.com and follow us on Twitter @biloxishuckers and at facebook.com/biloxishuckers.

ABOUT SHUCKERS BASEBALL, LLC:

Shuckers Baseball, LLC is a MS entity owned and operated by John Tracy. Shuckers Baseball operates the Biloxi Shuckers baseball franchise, including operating MGM Park for Biloxi Shuckers minor league baseball games and other entertainment and recreational events.