Four-run eighth sinks Jacksonville in 8-4 loss to Durham

DURHAM, N.C. – Brian Anderson clubbed two home runs and *Willians Astudillo *added one more but the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp fell 8-4 to the Durham Bulls Tuesday night at Durham Bulls Athletic Park.

After tying the game in the top of the seventh, Jacksonville (59-48) let the game slip through their fingertips in the bottom of the eighth. Durham (58-48) had their first two men reach base against Jacksonville reliever Will Stewart (L, 4-4). Xavier Edwardsreached third on a three-base throwing error, scoring two runs to give the Bulls a 6-4 lead. Jim Haley was hit by a pitch in the next at-bat to put runners at the corners. Vidal Brujan reached on a fielder’s choice allowing a run to score to push the lead to 7-4. Haley went to third on Brujan’s fielder’s choice and then scored on a base hit from Miles Mastrobuoni to give Durham a four-run advantage, 8-4.

Jacksonville hopped in front early in the top of the first. With one out, Brian Anderson (2) blasted a solo home run to give the Jumbo Shrimp an early 1-0 lead.

The Jumbo Shrimp’s lead was short-lived as Durham plated three runs in the bottom of the first. Brujan singled to start the inning and two batters later Jonathan Aranda walked. In the ensuing at-bat, René Pinto (9) launched a three-run home run to put Durham ahead 3-1.

The Jumbo Shrimp answered back with a run in the top of the third. Astudillo (10) launched a solo home run to cut the deficit to 3-2.

The Bulls went back to work in the fourth inning. With two outs, Edwards doubled and then scored on a triple from Haley to push the lead to 4-2.

In the fifth inning, lightning struck twice for Anderson as he clubbed his second home run of the game to make the score 4-3.

Jacksonville managed to tie the game in the top of the seventh. With one out, Jon Berti reached on an error. Anderson continued his strong game with a double to put runners on second and third. Jesús Sánchez grounded out but Berti scored the tying run.

Jacksonville and Durham continue their series tomorrow with first pitch slated for 6:35 p.m. Coverage begins at 6:20 p.m. ESPN 690 and ESPN690.com.

ABOUT THE JUMBO SHRIMP: The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp offer affordable family fun at 121 Financial Ballpark. Their inaugural season garnered the Southern League’s Don Mincher Organization of the Year, Promotional Trophy and Jimmy Bragan Executive of the Year, won by general manager Harold Craw. The club added its second Promotional Trophy in three years following the 2019 season. The 2021 season marked the return of Triple-A baseball in Jacksonville. To experience the excitement with the terrific value of ticket and group options, call the Jumbo Shrimp at (904) 358-2846 or visit www.jaxshrimp.com.