Sparks' 3-RBI Day Leads Shuckers to 5-1 Win in Series Finale to Earn Split
BIRMINGHAM, AL – Behind a three-RBI day from Lamar Sparks, Zavier Warren’s ninth home run of the season and 6.1 shutout innings from the bullpen, the Biloxi Shuckers (58-59, 28-22) earned a series split with a 5-1 win over the Birmingham Barons (63-57, 22-29) at Regions Field on Sunday afternoon.
BIRMINGHAM, AL – Behind a three-RBI day from Lamar Sparks, Zavier Warren’s ninth home run of the season and 6.1 shutout innings from the bullpen, the Biloxi Shuckers (58-59, 28-22) earned a series split with a 5-1 win over the Birmingham Barons (63-57, 22-29) at Regions Field on Sunday afternoon. With the win, the Shuckers enter the season's final three weeks with a 2.5-game lead over the Mississippi Braves for the final playoff spot in the Southern League South Division. The series split also extended the Shuckers’ streak to seven consecutive road series without a series loss.
The Shuckers opened the scoring in the third with a solo home run from Zavier Warren, one-hopping the batting cages beyond the right field wall. Connor Scott extended the lead to 2-0 later in the inning with a bases-loaded RBI single to center. In the bottom of the inning, the Barons cut the deficit in half when a wild pitch scored Adam Hackenberg from third.
The game remained at 2-1 until the sixth, when Lamar Sparks smashed a solo shot off the videoboard in left, extending the lead to 3-1. He then tallied an RBI single in the seventh and the ninth, making it 5-1. Nick Merkel (6-4) earned the win while Barons’ starter Juan Carela (1-2) took the loss.
Out of the bullpen, Nick Merkel (1.1ip), Kaleb Bowman (2.0ip), Will Childers (1.0ip), Blake Holub (1.0ip) and Justin Yeager (1.0ip) combined for 6.1 shutout innings. Merkel, the first reliever in for starter Nate Peterson, also stranded the bases loaded in the third. Peterson, making his 12th start of the year, struck out six over 2.2 innings, only allowing an unearned run. Lamar Sparks (3-for-4) and Connor Scott (2-for-3) both recorded multi-hit performances for the Shuckers.
After an off-day on Monday, the Shuckers will begin a six-game set at Keesler Federal Park against the Montgomery Biscuits. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 p.m. on Tuesday. The Shuckers kick off the series with Brew Crew Tuesday presented by Coors Light and a pirate-themed T-Shirt Tuesday giveaway presented by Mr. & Mrs. Crab for the first 250 fans. 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 the 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 Keesler Federal 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 Keesler Federal Park for Biloxi Shuckers minor league baseball games and other entertainment and recreational events.