Martinez Jr. Caps off Improbable Comeback for Walk-Off Win

BILOXI, MS – Entering the eighth inning, the Biloxi Shuckers (1-0) trailed by five runs for the second time on the night, but two hits, two balks, three hit batters, three walks and two errors lifted the Shuckers to an improbable comeback for an 8-7 win over the Montgomery Biscuits (0-1) at Shuckers Ballpark on Friday night. Ernesto Martinez Jr. delivered the walk-off double, securing Biloxi’s second straight home opener walk-off and the team’s fourth Opening Day win in the last five seasons.

Jacob Misiorowski made his first career Opening Day start and struck out seven over 4.1 innings, including three in the first inning. The Biscuits struck first in the third on a wild pitch and an RBI groundout from Bob Seymour to take a 2-0 lead. They added three more in the fifth off a two-RBI double from Carson Williams and a sacrifice fly from Seymour, taking a 5-0 lead.

After starter Logan Workman exited after five shutout innings, the Shuckers got on the board with a two-RBI single from Ernesto Martinez in the sixth, cutting the deficit to 5-2. The Biscuits responded a half-inning later, however, with a pair of RBI singles from Dru Baker and Kenny Piper to extend the lead to 7-2.

In the eighth, Brock Wilken singled to start the inning before two balks brought him home, cutting the deficit to 7-3. A wild pitch and two errors, including a mad dash from Noah Campbell to score from first, tied the game at seven.

In the ninth, Shane Smith retired the side in order for Biloxi before Ernesto Martinez Jr. walked it off with an RBI double to right-center in the bottom of the inning.

Smith (1-0) earned his first Double-A win while Alfredo Zarraga (0-1) took the loss for the Biscuits. The two teams will meet in the middle game of the three-game set on Saturday night at Shuckers Ballpark. First pitch is scheduled for 6:05 p.m.

The first 1,500 fans can get set for summer with a waterproof beach bag cooler presented by Beau Rivage. The Shuckers will also honor their first local military organization of the year through the team’s Heart of a Shucker Foundation.

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 MGM Park 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.