Roache's extra-inning blast lifts Shuckers over Smokies
KODAK, TN - Victor Roache launched his third Double-A home run for the Shuckers, and second in extra innings, propelling Biloxi to a 6-4 victory in 11 innings over the Tennessee Smokies on Friday night at Smokies Stadium. The win was Biloxi's eighth-straight in extra-innings, improving the record to 8-3, the league's best record during free baseball. The Shuckers take a commanding 2-0 lead in the series and will go for the series win on Saturday night.
In the top of the 11th, Nick Ramirez (1x5, R, SB 4-game hit streak) blooped a single into right field to beat a shift and Roache's (1x4, HR, 2 RBI, 2 R, BB) blast came two outs later, giving Biloxi a 6-4 eventual win. The Shuckers outfielder's last two home runs have come as game-winning, extra-inning blasts, with the first coming against the Montgomery Biscuits on June 20 at MGM Park.
Damien Magnifico (SV, 12) walked the first man he faced in the bottom of the 11th in Tyler Pearson, but got the third double play of the night from Bryant Flete and induced Jacob Hannemann into a groundout to secure his 12th save of the season and second in as many days.
Biloxi (8-7) jumped out in front with a three-run third. Roache started the frame with a walk and moved to third on a single by Adam Weisenburger (1x4, BB). Brooks Hall (6 IP, 4 R, 8 H, 2 BB, 4 SO) brought in Roache with a bunt that resulted in a fielder's choice with Weisenburger being erased at second base. Nick Shaw (1x5, RBI, R, 3B) ripped a triple into right to bring in Hall from first and give the Shuckers a two-run edge. Nathan Orf (2x5, RBI, R, 2B) followed with a double into left to give Biloxi its third run of the inning.
Tennessee (6-8) responded with two runs off to cut the Shuckers' lead down to one in the third. Billy McKinney's two-run double plated Elliot Soto and Bijan Rademacher for the Smokies' two runs in the frame. Tennessee would add two more runs in the fifth on a two-run single by Stephen Bruno, bringing in Soto and Wilson Contreras to give the Smokies a one-run advantage.
The Shuckers knotted the game at four off of former big leaguer Rafael Soriano with a run in the eighth. Orf started the frame with a single and moved over to third on Orlando Arcia's (2x5) single through the right side for his second hit of the game to make him the first player in the Southern League to reach 100 hits for the season. Michael Reed (0x5) bounced into a fielder's choice to bring in Orf from third to tie the game.
Manny Barreda walked one and struck out one in his two innings of relief for Biloxi.
Biloxi will look to get back on the winning side of a series on Saturday night, and take a 3-0 lead in the five-game set with Tennessee. RHP Tyler Wagner (6-3, 2.35) will take the start for the Shuckers, while the Smokies will send out major-league rehabber RHP Ryan Williams (3-0, 2.08) First pitch is scheduled for 6:05 p.m., with coverage beginning at 5:50 p.m. on 1240-AM WGCM, 1580-AM WPMO and the Biloxi Shuckers Radio Network. Fans can also listen to the game using the TuneIn Radio app or by going to www.biloxishuckers.com.
Tickets are currently on-sale for the next homestand at MGM Park, which begins on Wednesday and runs through Tuesday, July 21 against the Chattanooga Lookouts (MIN) and Mobile BayBears (ARI). The next Post-Game Fireworks show is Friday, July 17.
In addition to purchasing tickets at the MGM Park Box Office, fans may also use the options listed below from Ticketmaster. In order to purchase tickets over the phone, please call Ticketmaster at 1-800-745-3000. The MGM Park Box Office does not process any phone sales. All phone sales must be made through Ticketmaster with the number provided.
In order to purchase tickets online, please visit www.ticketmaster.com or www.BiloxiShuckers.com. Tickets may also be purchased at all Ticketmaster outlets. Please visit www.ticketmaster.com for additional locations in your area. ** There are no refunds or exchanges for individual game tickets**