Back-and-Forth Battle Goes to Smokies in Shuckers' Series Opener

BILOXI, MS – In the seventh straight game decided by two runs or less between the Biloxi Shuckers (23-34) and the Tennessee Smokies (34-24) in the season series, the Smokies took the edge in a back-and-forth battle, winning 5-4 in the series opener at Keesler Federal Park on Tuesday night.

The Smokies took an early lead with a sacrifice fly from Moises Ballesteros in the first, driving home Christian Franklin for a 1-0 lead. The Shuckers, however, tied the game in the second with an RBI double from Lamar Sparks down the left field line. The next batter, Zavier Warren, smashed a 385-foot home run to right-center, giving Biloxi a 3-1 lead, their first of the night.

After the first-inning run from the Smokies, Shuckers’ starter Shane Smith retired 14 of the final 15 batters he faced. He exited the game after the fifth, tying his career-high with five innings with five strikeouts.

In the sixth, Tennessee cut the deficit to one with an RBI single from Moises Ballesteros, his second of the night. Biloxi, however, got the run back in the bottom of the inning with an RBI single from Darrien Miller, scoring Eric Brown Jr. from third. The Smokies then tied the game at four in the seventh with a two-run home run from Ezequiel Pagan. In the ninth, the Smokies took a 5-4 lead with a solo shot from Yohendrick Pinango, clearing the scoreboard in right with a 449-foot blast, his first at the Double-A level.

In the bottom of the ninth, the Shuckers put the tying run on third, but Frankie Scalzo Jr. (3-0) earned the win with three flyouts in the frame to hold Biloxi scoreless. Nate Peterson (1-5) took the loss for Biloxi.

Shuckers’ catcher Darrien Miller tallied his second three-hit game of the year in a 3-for-4 performance while Lamar Sparks tallied two doubles in a 3-for-4 night, his third three-hit night of the year.

Milwaukee Brewers’ top prospect Jacob Misiorowski (0-1, 2.98) gets the start for Biloxi on Wednesday against Chris Kachmar (1-1, 3.99) for the Smokies. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 p.m. at Keesler Federal Park. The Shuckers will host Military Wednesday presented by Keesler Federal Credit Union where all military personnel can receive a $3 discount on Dugout Box and Reserved Level tickets. It’s also Bark in the Park. Fans and their four-legged friends can purchase tickets for $15 in advance and sit in dog-friendly Sections 117 and 119. Fans must sign a waiver for their pets to enjoy the game. It’s also Happy Hour at the Corona Premier Tiki Bar from 5:15 to 6:35 p.m. with $4 16oz beer and $6 ready-to-drink cocktails. For every home run hit during the game, Minor League Baseball will donate $100 to prostate cancer awareness through MiLB’s Knocking Cancer Out of the Park initiative. 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 and can watch for free on MLB.tv and MiLB.tv as the MiLB Free Game of the Day.

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.