Jacksonville drops first game of series against Memphis
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Despite Morgan McSweeney’s six strikeouts, the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp fell 6-1 to the Memphis Redbirds in Friday’s match up at VyStar Ballpark, in front of 6,540. Memphis (75-65, 34-33) took the lead early in the first. JJ Wetherholt walked to start the frame. He advanced via a
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Despite Morgan McSweeney’s six strikeouts, the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp fell 6-1 to the Memphis Redbirds in Friday’s match up at VyStar Ballpark, in front of 6,540.
Memphis (75-65, 34-33) took the lead early in the first. JJ Wetherholt walked to start the frame. He advanced via a walk and moved to third on a fly out. In the next at bat, Matt Koperniak cracked an RBI single, making it 1-0. Immediately after, Koperniak stole second base, advancing to third on a ground out. In the ensuing at bat, Matt Loyd smacked an RBI single, giving the Redbirds an early two-run advantage.
Jacksonville (84-58, 37-30) responded in the third. Bennett Hostetler opened with a walk and advanced on a balk. Cody Morissette walked and Mark Coley II was hit by a pitch, loading the bases. With the bases juiced, Matthew Etzel plated Hostetler on a double play, making it 2-1.
The Redbirds added to their lead in the fifth. With two outs, Mike Antico tripled. Immediately after, Wetherholt knocked an RBI single, extending their lead to 3-1.
Memphis scored three more in the seventh. Michael Siani walked to start the inning then advanced to second via a wild pitch. In the next plate appearance, Antico walked. Wetherholt was then hit by a pitch, loading the bases. With the bases juiced, César Prieto walked, scoring Siani from third. In the next at bat, Koperniak smashed an RBI single. In the following at bat, Blaze Jordan plated the third run of the inning on a double play, increasing the lead to 6-1.
Jacksonville and Memphis will continue the series in Saturday’s contest starting at 6:35 p.m. at VyStar Ballpark. LHP Thomas White (0-0, 5.79 ERA) will start for the Jumbo Shrimp against RHP Max Rajcic (0-2, 4.85 ERA) for the Redbirds. Coverage will begin at 6:20 p.m. on Bally Live, MLB.tv, MiLB.tv, ESPN 690 AM and www.ESPN690.com.
Tomorrow is Fan Appreciation Day! The first 2,000 fans through the Baptist Health Centerfield Plaza will receive a Jumbo Shrimp Umbrella. Giveaway is one per person NOT per ticket. Giveaway is only available when entering at the Main Gate on Georgia St. Stick around after the game for Saturday night fireworks.
ABOUT THE JUMBO SHRIMP: The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp are the Triple-A affiliate of the Miami Marlins and compete in the International League. The team calls VyStar Ballpark home for baseball but also a wide variety of additional community focused events with a goal of providing Affordable, Family, FUN to Northeast Florida. Winners of many marketing and sales awards and recognition since the team was rebranded prior to the 2017 season, the Jumbo Shrimp continually lead the state of Florida in attendance across all minor league professional sports organizations.