Dugger strikes out 10 as Jumbo Shrimp stop Barons, 3-1
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp right-hander Robert Dugger struck out a career-high 10 batters in seven shutout innings to extend his 15-inning scoreless streak in a 3-1 win over the Birmingham Barons in front of 1,965 at Community First Credit Union Two-for-Tuesday and Coors Light $2 Tuesday at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville.
After Dugger (6-5) struck out the first three batters of the game in the top of the first inning, the Jumbo Shrimp (23-33 second half, 51-73 overall) took the lead in the bottom of the first inning against Barons left-hander Bernardo Flores (2-5). Right fielder Monte Harrison reached on a one-out infielder single, left fielder Brian Miller singled to right field for the first of his game-high three hits, and shortstop Joe Dunand hit a two-out, two-run double down the left-field line.
Dugger's 10 strikeouts came in the first four innings, including a stretch of seven consecutive strikeouts - one shy of the Southern League record. Birmingham (28-30, 60-66) put its only runner at third base against Dugger in the fifth inning, when second baseman Trey Michalczewski hit a leadoff double to right field and advanced on a fly ball, but he was picked off by catcher Rodrigo Vigil throwing to third baseman Brian Schales. Dugger scattered three hits and two walks.
Miller hit a fifth-inning, one-out single off Flores, stole second base, went to third base on an error by first baseman Keon Barnum and scored on Dunand's sacrifice fly to make it 3-0. Flores allowed three runs - two earned - in five innings.
The Barons scored an unearned run inning against left-hander Jeff Kinley when Barnum reached third base in the eighth inning on a fly ball that got past Miami Marlins center fielder Lewis Brinson, playing his sixth game of a rehab assignment with Jacksonville. Barnum scored on left fielder Joel Booker's RBI single. Kinley recorded four outs, and right-hander Tommy Eveld got the final two outs to earn his second save with Jacksonville and third in the Southern League.
UP NEXT: The Jumbo Shrimp continue their series with Birmingham at 7:05 p.m. Wednesday, when Jacksonville right-hander Dustin Beggs (1-0) is scheduled to face Barons right-hander Dylan Cease (3-0). Gates open at 6 p.m. for Publix Corks & Forks Wednesday, when fans can purchase a game ticket and the opportunity to sample food, beer, and wine from Publix in the Safe Harbor Seafood Palm Tree Pavilion for $15 at tinyurl.com/jaxshrimpportal (password "PUBLIX"). Reserved tickets may be upgraded at the Pavilion or box office. Anyone who donates a canned food item at the box office can save $1 off a gameday ticket (limit $1 off per ticket). For Canines and Crustaceans, Bark in the Park presented by Standard Feed and Seed, dogs are welcome at the ballpark, free of charge with a paying human companion. Dog-free seating will be in Sections 110 and 111.
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.