M-Braves clinch post-season berth
Braves secure playoff spot with 6-2 victory over Shuckers
PEARL, MS -- The Mississippi Braves defeated the Biloxi Shuckers 6-2 at Trustmark Park Saturday night to clinch a spot in the Southern League Playoffs. The Braves are guaranteed to at least appear as the wild card team in the post-season. However, with one more victory or Pensacola Blue Wahoos loss Sunday or Monday, the M-Braves will secure the second half South Division title.
Mallex Smith, Carlos Franco and Johan Camargo each collected two-hit nights. Franco and Camargo also drove home two runs apiece. Mississippi (39-28, 73-63) scored six runs on eight hits while Biloxi (31-37, 70-67) plated just two runs on 11 hits.
The M-Braves took a quick 1-0 lead in the first. Ozzie Albies walked and moved to second on a ground out. Franco then delivered a base hit to center field, driving home Albies for the game's first run.
Biloxi tied the game in the fifth. Johnny Davis reached on a force out and Angel Ortega followed with a single to right. Brett Phillips then lined one into right, scoring Davis.
In the sixth, Franco walked and took second on a Joey Meneses sacrifice. Connor Lien also drew a walk before a double steal. Camargo then ripped a two-run triple to right field, putting the M-Braves out front 3-1.
Biloxi responded in the seventh when Davis tripled and scored on an Ortega sacrifice fly, making it a one-run game.
The Braves added three insurance runs in the eighth to make it 6-2. Camargo and Stephen Gaylor both singled before Smith walked to load the bases with one out. An Albies sacrifice fly made it 4-2. Three straight walks from Dustin Peterson, Franco and Meneses brought home the last two runs.
Michael Mader held the Shuckers to one earned run on seven hits and a walk. He struck out six batters in five innings of work. Evan Phillips (6-3) tossed one inning and picked up the win. Phillip Pfeifer, Akeel Morris and AJ Minter tossed the final three frames to close out the game.
Taylor Jungmann (3-4) worked 5.2 frames for Biloxi. He gave up three earned runs on five hits and five walks while fanning eight batters.
The M-Braves send right-hander Max Povse (4-0, 2.64) to the hill against Biloxi righty Brandon Woodruff (9-8, 3.21) in game four of this five-game series. First pitch is slated for 5:00 PM. Gates open at 4:00 PM.
Biloxi (31-37, 70-67): 2 R 11 H 0 E
Mississippi (39-28, 73-63): 6 R 8 H 1 E
W: Evan Phillips (6-3)
L: Taylor Jungmann (3-4)
Time: 3:12
Attendance: 3,763