Shuckers Drop Extra-Innings Slugfest to Barons

BILOXI, MS – In a game that saw 12 runs, 24 hits and six combined runs during the 10th inning, the Biloxi Shuckers (18-23) fell to the Birmingham Barons (26-14), 8-4, in 10 innings at Shuckers Ballpark on Wednesday night.

The Barons struck first three batters in when Brooks Baldwin lined a two-RBI single to right, giving Birmingham a 2-0 lead. After the single, Shuckers’ starter Shane Smith dominated and tied his season-high with six strikeouts over four innings in his second start of the year. Three batters reached after Baldwin's hit and three balls left the infield against his final 14 batters faced. Smith tied his career-high with four innings and set a career-high with 69 pitches.

Biloxi cut the deficit to one in the second when Ernesto Martinez Jr. hit a towering, 356-foot solo home run to right, his team-leading fourth of the season. In the fifth, the Barons extended the lead back to two with an RBI single from Jacob Gonzalez, making it 3-1.

The game stayed at 3-1 until the eighth when Ethan Murray and Mike Boeve both singled, putting runners on first and second with one out. Brock Wilken lined a 102 MPH line drive double to the wall in right-center, scoring both, including Boeve from first, and tying the game at three. In the ninth, the Shuckers had the tying run on third with two outs, but Adisyn Coffey induced a groundout to second, sending the game to extras.

In the extra frame, the Barons retook the lead with a two-RBI single to center from Terrell Tatum, making it 5-3. Jacob Gonzalez then smashed his first Double-A home run to right, giving the Barons a 6-3 lead. Three batters later, Tim Elko hit a two-run shot to right, making it 8-3.

With two outs in the bottom half of the 10th, Carlos Rodriguez beat out a groundball to short, scoring Eric Brown Jr. from third and making it 8-4. The Shuckers then loaded the bases with two hit batters, but Gil Luna ended the threat with a strikeout. Coffey (4-1) earned the win for Birmingham while Justin Yeager (1-4) took the loss for Biloxi.

At the plate, Ethan Murray (2-for-4), Ernesto Martinez Jr. (2-for-4) and Brock Wilken (2-for-5) all tallied multi-hit performances for Biloxi. Both of Martinez Jr.’s hits came off the bat at over 101 MPH, including a 103 MPH single in the seventh.

The Shuckers are back in action on Thursday against the Barons with first pitch scheduled for 6:35 p.m. Brett Wichrowski (1-0, 4.15) will start for Biloxi against Ky Bush (3-2, 2.09) for Birmingham. Fans can splash into the weekend with Thirsty Thursday presented by PBR, Coca-Cola and Kicker108. Fans can enjoy $2 PBR cans, drafts, hot dogs and Coca-Cola products. There are also $4 draft beer specials on Miller Lite and Coors Light at the first and third-base Beer Gardens. Fans can cash in on almost 60% savings with the Thirsty Thursday Deal which includes a Reserved Level ticket and two drink vouchers for $16 in advance. The Shuckers will also celebrate local Kiwanis Clubs on the Coast with Kiwanis Night. 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 Shuckers Ballpark for Biloxi Shuckers minor league baseball games and other entertainment and recreational events.