Ruiz, Sims lead M-Braves to victory
Braves surrender just one unearned run
PEARL, MS -- Rio Ruiz blasted a three-run homer and Lucas Sims worked into the seventh, allowing just one unearned run, to lead the Mississippi Braves to a 7-1 victory over the Biloxi Shuckers Friday evening at Trustmark Park. The crucial series continues Saturday at 6:00 PM.
Mississippi (33-27, 66-62) scored seven runs on eight hits while Biloxi (31-29, 74-54) plated an unearned run on six hits. Sims (4-2) tossed 6.1 innings for the Braves and picked up the win. He allowed one unearned run on just five hits and two walks while striking out five batters. Barrett Kleinknecht and Levi Hyams each added two hits.
The M-Braves took an early 1-0 lead in the first. Emerson Landoni and Mycal Jones drew back-to-back walks to start the frame. A ground out, put runners at the corners before Kevin Ahrens delivered a sacrifice fly to right field.
Biloxi tied the game in the third. Orlando Arcia singled and advanced to third on an errant pickoff attempt. He then came in to score on a Nathan Orf sacrifice fly to right field.
Landoni walked and moved over to third on two passed balls. Jones also drew a walk before Ruiz blasted a three-run homer to right field, putting the M-Braves out front 4-1 in the third.
Sims walked, Landoni singled and Jones walked to load the bases with no outs in the fourth. Kleinknecht then delivered a two-run single to right, extending the M-Braves lead to 6-1.
The M-Braves loaded the bases in the seventh and scored when Landoni grounded into a double play, making it a 7-1 game.
Ryne Harper and Mauricio Cabrera worked the finale 2.2 frames to finish the game. Hobbs Johnson (7-7) took the loss. He gave up four earned runs on two hits while walking seven batters in 2.2 innings.
In game two of this five-game series at Trustmark Park, the M-Braves send right-hander John Gant (3-0, 1.61) to the hill. First pitch is slated for 7:00 PM. Gates open at 6:00 PM.
Biloxi Shuckers (31-29, 74-54): 1 R 6 H 2 E
Mississippi Braves (33-27, 66-62): 7 R 8 H 1 E
W: Lucas Sims (4-2)
L: Hobbs Johnson (7-7)
Time: 3:10
Attendance: 3,180