Stokes Homer Propels Shuckers to First Win

A three-run homer in the seventh inning by Troy Stokes Jr. powered the Biloxi Shuckers (1-1) to their first victory of the season as they downed the Montgomery Biscuits (1-1) 7-3 on Friday night at Riverwalk Stadium.
Tied 2-2 in the top of the seventh, Wendell Rijo and Corey Ray drew back-to-back walks to start the frame. Facing Biscuits reliever Andrew Wright (0-1), Stokes launched a home run just inside the left field foul pole, plating three for the Shuckers to break the deadlock. The 22nd-ranked prospect in the Brewers organization finished the night 2-for-5 with a home run, four RBI and a run scored. Biloxi padded their lead in the eighth on an RBI single by Dylan Moore and a throwing error by Montgomery first baseman Dalton Kelly, pushing the lead to 7-2.
The Shuckers jumped out to an early lead in the second. A pair of singles by Trent Grisham and Blake Allemand followed by a walk to Moore loaded the bases for Jake Hager. The Shuckers shortstop hit into a double play, but Grisham raced in to give Biloxi the early edge. Montgomery squared the game in the bottom of the frame on a balk by Shuckers starter Zack Brown, forcing in a run from third to tie the game 1-1.
After Biloxi fell behind in the top of the fourth, Stokes drew the Shuckers level in the fifth. Batting with runners on second and third, Stokes grounded out to the third base side, giving Rijo the opportunity to scamper home and even the score at 2-2.
Though he didn't factor into the decision, Brown delivered a solid outing in his first Double-A start, allowing two runs in 5.0 innings while walking one and striking out seven. Nick Ramirez (1-0) earned his first win of the season after throwing 2.0 scoreless innings and not surrendering a hit. Nate Griep picked up his first save of the season after entering the game with the tying run in the on-deck circle in the eighth inning and pitching out of a bases loaded jam.
Game three of a five-game series against the Biscuits is on Saturday night at 6:05 pm. Biloxi is scheduled to send LHP Kodi Medeiros (NR) to the mound against Montgomery RHP J.D. Martin (NR). The game can be heard in Biloxi on Cruisin' 1240-AM and 100.9 FM, TuneIn Radio or the MiLB First Pitch app.
The Shuckers home opener is on Wednesday, April 11 at 6:35 pm against the Mississippi Braves. Single game tickets for the Biloxi Shuckers 2018 season are on sale now and can be purchased at the MGM Park box office or over the phone through Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Season tickets, flex plans and group outings are also available and can be reserved by calling 228-233-3465 or visiting www.biloxishuckers.com.
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.com.