Homers blast Braves by Jacksonville

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Ryan Casteel and C.J. Alexander each homered twice for Mississippi to allow the Braves to bury the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp 8-2 in Wednesday's series opener from the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville.
Ray-Patrick Didder singled and stole second before Riley Unroe walked against Jacksonville (54-61, 25-20) starter Pablo López (0-3) in the top of the first. After a fly out, Casteel blasted a three-run shot for the game's first runs. Two batters later, William Contreras walked. Alexander then crushed a two-run shot to make it 5-0 in favor of Mississippi (56-58, 22-23).

With the score still 5-0, Lewin Diaz's single started the fourth against Braves starter Connor Johnstone (5-2). After a fly out and fielder's choice, Riley Mahan's RBI double put the Jumbo Shrimp on the board. Stone Garrett followed with an RBI single to draw Jacksonville within 5-2.
Casteel crunched a solo homer to start the fifth. In the seventh, Alexander went yard for the second time to extend the Braves' advantage to 7-2.
Contreras added an RBI single in the eighth to make it 8-2.

Wednesday's winning raffle number of 1517220062 won a prize of $75.
The Jumbo Shrimp host Mississippi in Thursday's 7:05 p.m. first pitch from the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville. LHP Daniel Castano (4-1, 3.35 ERA) starts for Jacksonville against Braves RHP Jasseel De La Cruz (3-6, 4.15 ERA). Coverage begins at 6:50 p.m. on MiLB.tv, Sunny 102.3 FM, TuneIn and jaxshrimp.com.
Thursday's game is a Thirsty Thursday presented by Budweiser. Fans can purchase $1 12 oz. and $2 24 oz. Budweiser draft products at the canopy near the Jacksonville Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram Arlington Trail Rated Territory, Oasis concession stand behind Section 115 and right field bleachers, respectively. DJ Swagg and DJ MoneyGud from Power 106.1 will also provide music at the Budweiser Tiki Terrace. In addition, on St. Johns County Night, the Jumbo Shrimp will celebrate St. Johns County throughout Thursday's game.
ABOUT THE JUMBO SHRIMP: The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp offer affordable family fun at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville. 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. 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.