Jumbo Shrimp stave off late Memphis rally for 7-6 win

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Despite a late rally, the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp held on for a 7-6 win over the Memphis Redbirds Wednesday night at 121 Financial Ballpark.

Jacksonville (56-45) took the lead back in the bottom of the third inning. Brian Miller led off with a single and two batters later, Peyton Burdick walked to put runners on first and second. Payton Henry (1) smashed a three-run home run against Memphis (54-46) starter Tommy Parsons (L, 6-3) to put the Jumbo Shrimp ahead 4-1.

The Redbirds climbed back with two runs in the top of the fourth. Pedro Pages singled and Cory Spangenberg doubled to put runners on second and third. During Evan Mendoza’s at-bat, a wild pitch scored Pages from third to cut the deficit to 4-2. Mendoza later walked and Roberto Baldoquin hit into a fielder’s choice, scoring Spangenberg to cut the deficit to one, 4-3.

The Jumbo Shrimp answered with two runs in the bottom of the fifth. With one out, Jerar Encarnacion singled and Burdick walked. Henry reached on an error that scored Encarnacion to push the lead to 5-3. Burdick advanced to third on the error and scored on a single from Victor Victor Mesa to increase the lead to 6-3.

Jacksonville continued to add to their lead in the bottom of the sixth. Miller led off with a single, stole second and then Jordan Groshans walked. A fly out allowed Miller to advance to third and he then scored on a sacrifice fly from Burdick to push the lead to 7-3.

Memphis made the things interesting in the top of the seventh. With one out, Conner Capel walked and two batters later, Alec Burleson singled. With two runners on, Luken Baker (18) blasted a three-run home run to bring the Redbirds back, trailing 7-6.

However, George Soriano pitched the final 2.0 innings to secure the victory and pick up his fifth save.

The Jumbo Shrimp initially opened the scoring in the bottom of the first. Miller (5) launched a solo home run to lead off the frame and give Jacksonville an early 1-0 advantage.

The Redbirds answered in the top of the third. With one out, Capel singled and went to third on a base hit from Moises Gomez. Burleson drove in Capel with a sac fly, tying the game at one.

Jacksonville and Memphis continue their series Thursday night. RHP Cody Mincey (0-1, 5.40 ERA) starts for the Jumbo Shrimp and the Redbirds will counter with LHP Connor Thomas (5-4, 4.50 ERA). Coverage begins at 6:50 p.m. on MiLB.tv, ESPN 690 and ESPN690.com.

Gates open at 6:00 p.m. for Budweiser Thirsty Thursday. Fans can purchase $2 (12-oz. draft) and $3 (24-oz. draft) Budweiser products on the left field berm, Oasis Concession stand or the right field bleachers. It’s also Military Appreciation Night! Thanks to Acension St. Vincent’s, the Jumbo Shrimp will be providing free tickets (subject to availability) to all active, retired, veterans and former military members and their dependents. Complimentary tickets may be received in person at the Miller Electric Box Office, subject to availability. Also in honor of Military Appreciation Night, Jacksonville will be taking the field in their Patriotic Jerseys, which are currently up for auction online.

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.