Jacksonville bullpen shines in 2-1 victory over Charlotte

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Leading 2-1 in the sixth inning but facing the bases loaded, Jacksonville summoned Preston Guilmet from the bullpen, and the right-hander proceeded to strike out the side, propelling the Jumbo Shrimp to a 2-1 win over the Charlotte Knights on Tuesday at 121 Financial Ballpark

Jacksonville (62-47) has now won 10 of its last 14 ballgames to move to within 6.5 games of the first place Durham Bulls.

The Knights (42-67) got out to an early lead in the top of the first inning. With two outs, Jake Burger doubled, and Yermin Mercedes and Mikie Mahtook each followed with singes to drive Burger home. That was the only run Bryan Mitchell would allow in four innings of work. He gave up four hits and a walk and struck out seven, a season-high, in his second start of the year.

Jacksonville responded in the bottom of the first inning against Kyle Kubat (2-1). Bryson Brigman legged out an infield single to begin the frame, and Monte Harrison followed with a two-run homer down the right field line to make it 2-1. It was Harrison’s 11th of the season, and second consecutive game with a home run.

The Jacksonville bullpen took over from there. Alberto Guerrero worked around three hits in the fifth inning, helped by Brian Miller, who threw out Adam Engel trying to go first to third. Guilmet (3-1) fanned the side in the sixth inning to escape a bases loaded jam. Tommy Eveld worked a scoreless eighth, and Andrew Bellatti (save, 7) retired the side in order in the ninth. The Jumbo Shrimp bullpen has combined to give up just two earned runs in their last 29 innings of work.

Game two of the series is set for 7:05 p.m. on Wednesday, with lefty Shawn Morimando (3-4, 4.86) taking the mound for Jacksonville against Charlotte right-hander Alex McRae (2-7, 5.57). Gates open at 6 p.m. for VyStar Credit Union Charity Begins at Home, where VyStar Credit Union will be partnering with the MaliVai Washington Youth Foundation and Mission House to raise awareness and funds throughout the game through ticket sales and promotions.

It’s also a Forever Vets Animal Hospital Canines and Crustaceans (Dog Day), where canines get in free as long as their human companion buys a ticket. Also, join the Jumbo Shrimp for the club’s A Better Jacksonville Drive Results Series as the team collects pet food and supplies. Everyone who donates to all five of our A Better Jacksonville Drive Results games will be entered to throw out a first pitch later in the season.

Coverage begins at 6:50 p.m. on ESPN 690 and online at espn690.com, MiLB.tv, and on the MiLB First Pitch app.

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 marks 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.