Biloxi Drops Series Opener Against M-Braves

In their first game of the second half, the Biloxi Shuckers (41-30, 0-1) notched 13 hits but committed four errors against the Mississippi Braves (34-36, 1-0) in an 11-6 defeat on Thursday night at MGM Park. Mississippi had three separate innings where they sent at least eight men to the plate.
Biloxi took an early lead with a crooked number of their own in the third. With two outs, Luis Aviles Jr. doubled and stole third before scoring on a double from C.J. Hinojosa. Patrick Leonard then followed with a single to center, bringing up Weston Wilson. The Shuckers All-Star singled into centerfield against M-Braves LHP Joey Wentz (W, 3-6), plating both runners to give the Shuckers a 3-0 advantage.
After the M-Braves scored two in the top of the fourth, the Shuckers scored what appeared to be an insurance run in the bottom of the fourth inning when Dillon Thomas led off with a triple and raced home on a groundout by Joantgel Segovia. In the top of the fifth, though, the M-Braves plated four runs against reliever RHP Nattino Diplan (L, 1-1) on two singles, a walk, an RBI groundout, a hit-by-pitch and a two-RBI single by Cristian Pache, taking a 6-4 lead at the midway point of the contest.  
Both teams went scoreless in the sixth and the Shuckers were able to push across a run in the bottom of the seventh inning. Hinojosa roped his second double of the game to start the frame and moved to third on an infield single by Drew Rasmussen before scoring on a wild pitch to bring Biloxi within a run at 6-5. Thomas then reached on a fielding error, putting the tying run at third, but Segovia grounded out to end the rally.
Mississippi exploded for five runs in the top of the eighth inning, capped by a two-RBI double by Pache, part of a five-RBI night for the Braves' #1 prospect. Biloxi rallied in the bottom of the ninth, drawing two walks and recording back-to-back singles to plate a run and put the tying run on deck. RHP Jeremy Walker (S, 4) was summoned from the bullpen for the M-Braves and struck out the three batters he faced to end the Shuckers threat.
The series continues with Schooner's Birthday and Fireworks Friday presented by Margaritaville Resort Biloxi on Friday night at 6:35 pm. RHP Alec Bettinger (4-5, 4.22) is scheduled to start for the Shuckers opposite M-Braves RHP Jasseel De La Cruz (1-2, 3.70). The game can be heard locally in Biloxi on Cruisin' WGCM AM 1240/100.9 FM, TuneIn Radio or the MiLB First Pitch App and can be seen on MiLB.TV. Fans can save $10 off their subscription when they use the promo code 'Shuckers' at checkout.
Half-Season Shuck Nation Memberships, Flex Plans and Group Outings for the 2019 Biloxi Shuckers season are on sale now and are available for purchase by calling 228-233-3465, online at biloxishuckers.com or by visiting the MGM Park front office.
ABOUT THE BILOXI SHUCKERS:
The Biloxi Shuckers are the Double-A Affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers. The Shuckers play at MGM Park in Biloxi, Mississippi. For more information please visit biloxishuckers.com and follow us on Twitter @biloxishuckers and at facebook.com/biloxishuckers.