Late Push from Barons Spoils Shuckers Comeback Attempt in Series Finale

BILOXI, MS – Despite a comeback attempt from the Biloxi Shuckers (18-27) to tie the game at three, the Birmingham Barons (30-14) pulled away with a five-run eighth inning in an 8-4 loss for the Shuckers at Shuckers Ballpark in the Sunday series finale in front of 4,647, the largest crowd for a game this season.

The Shuckers took an early lead with an RBI single from Carlos Rodriguez in the second, extending his on-base streak to eight straight games. The Barons tied the game in the third with a solo home run from Terrell Tatum and took a 3-1 lead the next inning with a two-run home run from Jason Matthews. In the sixth, the Shuckers tied the game at three with an RBI single from Eric Brown Jr. and a sacrifice fly from Zavier Warren.

Out of the bullpen, Shuckers’ reliever Kaleb Bowman dropped his bullpen-best ERA to 0.72 after 2.2 scoreless innings with two strikeouts in relief of Shuckers’ starter Bradley Blalock, who battled through 4.1 innings and allowed three runs.

In the eighth, the Barons retook the lead on an RBI single from Michael Turner with the bases loaded, making it 4-3. They extended the lead to 7-3 later in the inning with a three-RBI, bases-clearing double from Terrell Tatum off the wall in left, capping a four-RBI day. Jacob Gonzalez tallied his fifth multi-hit game of the series with an RBI single a batter later, making it 8-3.

The Shuckers fought back in the bottom of the ninth with a solo shot to lead off the frame from Brock Wilken, his second of the series and fourth of the season. The Shuckers saw three more reach on a double and two walks, but Birmingham retired the side with an outfield assist, fielder’s choice and a flyout.

Gil Luna (2-0) earned the win for Birmingham after a scoreless inning in relief while Nick Merkel (2-4) took the loss for Biloxi. Six different Shuckers' players tallied a hit, including multi-hit performances for Carlos Rodriguez (2-for-3) and Ernesto Martinez Jr. (2-for-5).

The Shuckers will continue their 12-game homestand with a six-game set against the Pensacola Blue Wahoos starting on Tuesday at Shuckers Ballpark. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 p.m. on Brew Crew Tuesday 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 Shuckers Arcade-themed t-shirt presented by Pine Belt Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center. 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.