Shuckers End First Half on High Note Behind Dominant Outing from Shane Smith
MADISON, AL – For the second consecutive day, the Biloxi Shuckers (30-37) got a dominant start from the rotation, this time with 5.2 innings of one-run ball from Shane Smith, in a 4-2 win over the Rocket City Trash Pandas (33-35) in the first half finale from Toyota Field on
MADISON, AL – For the second consecutive day, the Biloxi Shuckers (30-37) got a dominant start from the rotation, this time with 5.2 innings of one-run ball from Shane Smith, in a 4-2 win over the Rocket City Trash Pandas (33-35) in the first half finale from Toyota Field on Sunday afternoon. The win was Biloxi’s 11th in their last 17 to finish the half and their fifth in the six-game series against the Trash Pandas.
Brock Wilken started the scoring in the first with a two-run shot that clanged off the batter’s eye in center, giving Biloxi a 2-0 lead three batters in. The home run was Wilken’s seventh of the season, tying Ernesto Martinez Jr. for the team lead. The Trash Pandas then answered with a run of their own in the third with a solo home run from Mac McCroskey, making it 2-1. The Shuckers, however, answered with another two-run shot, this time from Zavier Warren to right, giving Biloxi a 4-1 lead. Warren’s home run, his fifth of the year, left the bat at 110 MPH.
On the mound, Shane Smith dominated in his seventh start of the season, recording seven strikeouts over 5.2 innings. He retired 17 of the 18 batters he faced, including each of the final nine.
In the seventh, the Trash Pandas cut the deficit to 4-2 with a two-out RBI single from Tucker Flint, but Darrien Miller ended the threat by throwing out Flint trying to steal second, ending the inning. The Trash Pandas threatened again in the eighth, but Nate Peterson used a double play and a strikeout to work around two hits. In the ninth, Blake Holub entered with a runner on and no outs but used two strikeouts and a flyout to record his fifth save of the season. Smith (4-2) earned the win and lowered his ERA to 2.84 as a starter this season while Sam Bachman (0-1) took the loss for Rocket City.
The Shuckers open the second half with a nine-game homestand at Keesler Federal Park on Tuesday beginning with a six-game series against the Pensacola Blue Wahoos. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 p.m. and the first 250 fans will receive a Beach Chickens T-Shirt presented by Alt Tees for T-Shirt Tuesday. The Shuckers will also transform into the Biloxi Beach Chickens for the second time this season. Fans can also enjoy 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. 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.