M-Braves sweep Thursday doubleheader in Jacksonville to stay alive in playoff race
Jacksonville, FL -- The Mississippi Braves (36-28, 65-69) were not in a must-win situation on Thursday night in Jacksonville, but it felt like it after a Tuesday afternoons heartbreaking loss to Biloxi. The M-Braves responded to their backs being against the wall with a pair of one-run victories over the Jacksonville
Jacksonville, FL -- The Mississippi Braves (36-28, 65-69) were not in a must-win situation on Thursday night in Jacksonville, but it felt like it after a Tuesday afternoons heartbreaking loss to Biloxi. The M-Braves responded to their backs being against the wall with a pair of one-run victories over the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp (25-40, 53-80) at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville. Mississippi opened the six-game series in five days with a 4-3 victory in game one and posted their 13th shutout of the season in a 1-0 win in game two.
The wins on Thursday keep the M-Braves in third place in the Southern League South race, but only a half-game behind Pensacola for second place and a full game behind Biloxi. Both teams won on Thursday.
The M-Braves tied and took their first lead of the game in the top of the third inning.
Mader held the Shrimp off the scoreboard until the fifth inning when
As Jacksonville took the field in the top of the sixth inning, heavy rains hit The Baseball Grounds and play was halted for 1 hour, 5 minutes. After the rain delay, Mississippi pushed two runs across against Jacksonville reliever
Josh Graham (H, 2) took over for Mader after the delay and pitched a scoreless sixth inning. Graham struck out the first batter of the seventh inning and then surrendered a walk and single. With two outs, Graham walked two more to force in a run and make it 4-3. Manager Chris Maloney called on red-hot reliever
Game two was a game of missed opportunities for the Jumbo Shrimp. M-Braves starter
Jacksonville starter
Demeritte finished the twin bill at 3-for-6 with two runs scored and had the lone hit in game two.
With the win, Mississippi improved to 33-22 since July 1, 16-10 in August and 10-7 against the Jumbo Shrimp this season.
The M-Braves and Jumbo Shrimp will continue their six-game series on Friday night with just one nine-inning game. LHP
Tickets for possible playoff games at Trustmark Park will go on sale Friday morning at 10:00 am. For more information, call the M-Braves Front Office at 601.932.8788 or 888-BRAVES4, or visit www.mississippibraves.com. Individual tickets start at just $6!