Payne Hits First Double-A Home Run in Shuckers Loss to Knoxville
BILOXI, MS – The Biloxi Shuckers (56-61, 21-31) fell to the Knoxville Smokies (65-55, 27-24), 9-4, in a series opener on Tuesday night at Keesler Federal Park. Despite the loss, Milwaukee Brewers fourth-ranked prospect Braylon Payne smashed his first Double-A home run after a record-setting 23 with the High-A Wisconsin
BILOXI, MS – The Biloxi Shuckers (56-61, 21-31) fell to the Knoxville Smokies (65-55, 27-24), 9-4, in a series opener on Tuesday night at Keesler Federal Park. Despite the loss, Milwaukee Brewers fourth-ranked prospect Braylon Payne smashed his first Double-A home run after a record-setting 23 with the High-A Wisconsin Timber Rattlers earlier this season.
The Smokies took an early 2-0 lead with an RBI single from Carter Trice in the first and an RBI single to right from Andy Garriola in the second. The Shuckers made it 2-1 in the bottom of the inning with a sacrifice fly from Damon Keith, scoring Braylon Payne from third. The Smokies extended the lead to 4-1 in the third with an error that allowed Edgar Alvarez to score from third and a sacrifice fly from Alex Madera. The Shuckers tied the game with three runs in three innings, including a sacrifice fly to center from Andrew Fischer in the third, a solo home run to right-center from Braylon Payne in the fourth and a balk that allowed Dylan O’Rae to score in the fifth. In the sixth, the Smokies retook the lead, 7-4, with a passed ball that allowed Karson Simas to score from third, an RBI single from Miguel Useche and a sacrifice fly from Ariel Armas. In the ninth, Kane Kepley made it 9-4 with a two-run home run to right. Yenrri Rojas (4-6) earned the win for the Smokies while Anthony Flores (5-2) took the loss for the Shuckers.
At the plate, Andrew Fischer (2-for-3) recorded the lone Shuckers multi-hit performance. Luis Peña (1-for-4) also extended his hit streak to seven consecutive games, including every game Peña has appeared in at the Double-A level. Jesús Broca (2.1ip, 0r, 2k) and Garrett Hodges (2.1ip, 0r, 2k) each recorded scoreless relief appearances for the Shuckers.
The series continues on Wednesday, with first pitch scheduled for 6:35 p.m. Manuel Rodriguez (11-4, 4.82) is slated to start for the Shuckers against Brody McCullough (1-3, 3.29) for the Smokies. It’s Military Wednesday, presented by Keesler Federal Credit Union, where all military personnel can receive a $3 discount on Dugout Box and Reserved Level tickets. Fans can enjoy a variety of deals with Wild Card Wednesday, which includes rotating food, drink and retail deals throughout the season. Coverage begins at 6:15 p.m. with the On-Deck Show on the Biloxi Shuckers Radio Network and The Hype 100.9.
Fans can save up to 50% off day-of-game pricing by securing their 2027 season membership. Season Memberships, Mini Plans and group outings are available now by visiting biloxishuckers.com, the ballpark offices and by calling (228) 233-3465. Fans can also receive more information regarding the full promotion schedule and single-game tickets on the Shuckers website.
ABOUT THE BILOXI SHUCKERS:
The Biloxi Shuckers are the Double-A Affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers. The Shuckers are members of the Southern League and play at Keesler Federal Park in Biloxi, Mississippi. For more information, please visit biloxishuckers.com and follow us on Twitter @biloxishuckers and at facebook.com/biloxishuckers.
ABOUT SHUCKERS BASEBALL, LLC:
Shuckers Baseball, LLC is a MS entity owned and operated by John Tracy. Shuckers Baseball operates the Biloxi Shuckers baseball franchise, including operating Keesler Federal Park for Biloxi Shuckers minor league baseball games and other entertainment and recreational events.