JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp right-hander Nick Neidert struck out a season-high 11 batters in 6 2/3 scoreless innings, and third baseman Brian Schales had his first career two-homer game and four RBIs in a 7-3 win over the Mobile BayBears in front of 4,365 on Budweiser Thirsty Thursday
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp right-hander Nick Neidert struck out a season-high 11 batters in 6 2/3 scoreless innings, and third baseman Brian Schales had his first career two-homer game and four RBIs in a 7-3 win over the Mobile BayBears in front of 4,365 on Budweiser Thirsty Thursday at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville.
After Neidert's scoreless first inning, Jacksonville (17-23) began quickly against Mobile right-hander Luis Pena (1-4). Designated hitter Kyle Barrett reached on a bunt single, center fielder Monte Harrison hit an infield single, and left fielder Cade Gotta hit an RBI single to center field. Pena's wild pitch scored Harrison to make it 2-0, and with two outs, Schales homered out of the ballpark to left field for a 4-0 lead. The lead grew in the third inning, as Gotta hit a leadoff double to right field, and Schales hit a two-out, two-run home run over the left-field ribbon board to make it 6-0.
Jax Jumbo Shrimp Highlights - May 17, 2018
Neidert (4-3) allowed only two walks and two hits, the last of which was a triple by BayBears designated hitter Jose Rojas in the second inning, when Neidert walked a batter and got all three outs with runners at first and third bases. He retired 11 straight batters in one stretch and 17 of the final 18 he faced, becoming Jacksonville's first four-game winner this season.
Navy Mutual MVP of the Game - May 17, 2018
Pena did not allow further runs, but with one out in the sixth inning, his pitch knocked Schales' batting helmet off his head. Schales remained in the game, and the umpires issued warnings to both dugouts. Jumbo Shrimp manager Randy Ready argued and was ejected. Pena allowed eight hits and two hit batters with no walks and four strikeouts in six innings.
Randy Ready Postgame vs. Mobile 5/17/18
Jacksonville added a run when Mobile right-hander Samil De Los Santos walked four batters in the seventh inning. Jumbo Shrimp right-hander Jose Pena pitched 1 1/3 scoreless innings. In the ninth inning, left-hander Jeff Kinley allowed three unearned runs on a three-run home run by BayBears catcher Michael Barash before finishing the win over Mobile (19-20).
UP NEXT: The Jumbo Shrimp continue their series with Mobile in a 5:05 p.m. doubleheader Friday. Jacksonville right-handers Pablo López (0-1) and Kolton Mahoney (2-2) are scheduled to pitch Games 1 and 2, respectively. Fans may visit any participating NAPA AutoCare Center to get a FREE general admission ticket (reserved seat upgrade available at the box office) for the doubleheader that concludes with NAPA AutoCare Family Fireworks. The Jumbo Shrimp wear red "Bold City" jerseys to support the military on Red Shirt Friday, when fans who wear red can save $1 per ticket at the box office or donate the $1 to the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund. Friday Night Lites Miller Lite Happy Hour offers $1 12-oz. Miller Lite and $1 off craft beer specials in the Craft Cave by the third-base gates until 7:30 p.m. The game is presented by 99.9 Gator Country.
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.
