Strong Pitching Helps Shuckers Snap Skid With 5-3 Victory
A strong pitching performance and timely hitting helped the Biloxi Shuckers (39-44, 5-11 2nd Half) top the Tennessee Smokies (45-40, 8-8 2nd Half) 5-3 on Friday night at Smokies Stadium. Biloxi took a lead three batters into the ball game. Sal Frelick singled on the first pitch home from RHP
A strong pitching performance and timely hitting helped the Biloxi Shuckers (39-44, 5-11 2nd Half) top the Tennessee Smokies (45-40, 8-8 2nd Half) 5-3 on Friday night at Smokies Stadium.
Biloxi took a lead three batters into the ball game. Sal Frelick singled on the first pitch home from RHP Peyton Remy (L, 5-3) and Andruw Monasterio reached on a fielder’s choice and a dropped catch at second by Chase Strumpf. Garrett Mitchell then stepped up and smashed a three-run homer to right, his third of the year, vaulting the Shuckers to a 3-0 lead.
GARRETT MITCHELL IS OFFICIALLY ON FIRE!
— Biloxi Shuckers (@BiloxiShuckers) July 15, 2022
The outfielder is now 7-for-10 in his return from the IL, including this 💣 to give the Shuckers a 3-0 lead! #ShuckYeah pic.twitter.com/guULGJY8j5
Tennessee replied with two runs in the bottom of the first when Jake Slaughter was hit by a pitch and Matt Mervis hit a two-run homer to right, his 14th of the year, drawing the Smokies within a run at 3-2. RHP Noah Zavolas navigated through a pair of walks in the second inning and went on a stretch where he struck out five consecutive batters and six of seven in a scoreless second, third and fourth inning.
In the top of the fourth, the Shuckers added on the deciding runs in the contest. Felix Valerio worked a one-out walk, moved to second on a wild pitch and advanced to third on a groundout by Gabe Holt. Brent Diaz singled to center to plate Valerio, making it 4-2 Biloxi. Diaz then stole second base and scored on a single to right by Frelick, Frelick’s third hit of the night, extending the Shuckers lead to 5-2.
Now it's @TheBrentDiaz adding to the scoring with an RBI single! #ShuckYeah pic.twitter.com/pskXdhAxgT
— Biloxi Shuckers (@BiloxiShuckers) July 16, 2022
Zavolas ran into trouble in the bottom of the fifth inning. Bryce Windham singled with one out, stole second and scored on a single by Slaughter. Mervis then worked a walk to put the tying run on base. RHP Nash Walters (W, 5-1) was summoned from the bullpen and struck out Strumpf, stranding the tying run at first.
The remainder of the game was covered by RHP Carlos Luna (S,1), who surrendered just two hits over four scoreless innings, striking out two as he finished the game for Biloxi.
Biloxi continues their six-game series with Tennessee on Saturday night. RHP Victor Castañeda (1-3, 4.20) takes the mound for the Shuckers against Smokies’ RHP Walker Powell (0-2, 3.38) for a 6:15 pm CT first pitch. The game can be seen on MiLB.TV and heard locally on WGCM AM 1240/FM 100.9 or online here. Individual tickets, Shuck Nation Memberships, Flex Plans and group outings are available for the 2022 season by calling (228) 233-3465 or visiting biloxishuckers.com.
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 MGM Park in Biloxi, Mississippi. For more information please visit biloxishuckers.comand follow us on Twitter @biloxishuckers and at facebook.com/biloxishuckers.