PEARL, Miss. - The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp (17-16, 47-56) defeated the Mississippi Braves (11-21, 45-57) by a 2-1 score in the third game of the five-game series at Trustmark Park on Thursday night.
PEARL, Miss. - The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp (17-16, 47-56) defeated the Mississippi Braves (11-21, 45-57) by a 2-1 score in the third game of the five-game series at Trustmark Park on Thursday night.
Jacksonville scored the go-ahead run in the top of the eighth on an RBI single by David Vidal to win its second straight game in the series.
Jumbo Shrimp right-handed relief pitcher Tyler Higgins earned the win, working a scoreless sixth and seventh inning where he struck out three batters. Mississippi right-handed relief pitcher Wes Parons took the loss, allowing a run on three hits with a walk and seven strikeouts. Jacksonville right-handed relief pitcher Tyler Kinley worked a scoreless ninth to pick up his second straight save and his fourth for the Jumbo Shrimp.
Both clubs traded runs in the first inning. Austin Dean started the game by reaching on an error by M-Braves third baseman Austin Riley, and he eventually scored from third on an RBI fielder's choice hit by Dustin Geiger to give the Shrimp a 1-0 lead. Mississippi tied the game in the bottom of the first with an RBI single by Joey Meneses to put the score at 1-1.
Jacksonville left-handed starting pitcher and Marlins No. 4 prospect Dillon Peters worked five innings in his return to the Double-A level after a left thumb fracture that he suffered on April 17. In his first start back at the Double-A level he allowed a run on six hits with a walk and two strikeouts as he had a no decision. Mississippi left-handed starting pitcher Max Fried is also working his way back from a disabled list stint, and in his three innings he allowed a run on a hit with two walks and two strikeouts.
The 1-1 deadlock continued into the top of the eighth. With two outs, Vidal lined an RBI single to left field to put Jacksonville in front 2-1, which would be the final score. The M-Braves loaded the bases in the bottom of the eighth but Andy Beltre struck out Connor Lien to end the inning. Kinley also dealt with baserunners in the ninth, including one that was caught stealing second base by catcher Cam Maron for the second out. Kinley struck out Dylan Moore swinging to end the game in a Jacksonville victory.
The Jumbo Shrimp and M-Braves will continue their series with the fourth game of the five-game set on Friday night at 8 p.m. ET at Trustmark Park. Right-handed pitcher Joe Gunkel (2-1, 2.25 ERA) will start for Jacksonville against a Mississippi starter that is to be announced. Fans can listen to the game on the Jumbo Shrimp Network presented by Community First, beginning at 7:45 p.m. with the pregame show "Shrimp On Deck" locally on FM 100.3 The Biz and AM 1600, on the TuneIn Radio app, and www.jaxshrimp.com.
ABOUT THE JUMBO SHRIMP: The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp are beginning a new era of affordable family fun with the 2017 season presented by Community First Credit Union at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville. With a new lineup of ticket and group options, there is a reason for everyone to get part of the action by calling the Jumbo Shrimp at (904) 358-2846 or visiting www.jaxshrimp.com.
