Jacksonville smacks four home runs in 9-8 defeat
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Bryson Brigman notched a career-high five hits and the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp hit four home runs on Saturday but were unable to hold onto a 4-1 lead, falling 9-8 to the Memphis Redbirds at AutoZone Park.
Jacksonville (29-22) out-hit Memphis (20-33) 14-7, but were hurt by six walks and two hit batsmen, as well as a Redbirds grand slam.
Jacksonville led 4-1 in the fourth inning, but Memphis’ Ali Sanchez singled to left with one out. An error then runners at the corners. Later in the inning, Lane Thomas singled home a pair to cut the deficit to one.
One inning later, a Sanchez RBI single off Jumbo Shrimp reliever Jake Fishman (1-2) tied the score. Later in the inning, Rayder Ascanio hit a grand slam to put the Redbirds ahead, 8-4.
In the seventh inning, the two teams traded runs, with Zack Zehner hitting his second home run of the season with Jacksonville in the top half of the inning. However, Sanchez answered with a solo shot of his own in the bottom of the frame to push the Memphis lead back to four.
With the Jumbo Shrimp down to their final out in the ninth inning, they started a rally against Zack Thompson (save, 2). Isan Díaz and Brian Miller hit back-to-back singles, and Deven Marrero followed with a three-run homer to make it a 9-8 ballgame. However, Jacksonville was unable to do any further damage.
The Jumbo Shrimp took an early lead in the first inning when Brigman doubled to the wall in left field, and two batters later, Lewin Díaz ripped an RBI double to right to go up 1-0. Later in the inning, Isan Díaz clocked a two-run homer to right field to make it 3-0.
After the Redbirds got a run back in the bottom of the first inning on a bases-loaded hit by pitch, Brigman got the Jumbo Shrimp back on the board in the fourth inning with a solo home run to left field. Brigman came within a triple of the cycle.
Angel Rondon (win, 1-4), was able to settle down after the big first inning to strike out seven, giving up four runs on nine hits.
Jacksonville will look to win the series by taking the finale as they send lefty Shawn Morimando (2-2, 5.03) to the mound to do battle with Memphis left-hander Connor Thomas (2-0, 3.38). First pitch on Independence Day is slated for 7:35 p.m. with coverage beginning at 7:20 p.m. on ESPN 690 as well as espn690.com, MiLB.tv, and on the MiLB First Pitch app. ABOUT THE JUMBO SHRIMP: The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp offer affordable family fun at 121 Financial Ballpark. 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. The club added its second Promotional Trophy in three years following the 2019 season. The 2021 season marks the return of Triple-A baseball in Jacksonville. 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.
