Jacksonville bullpen combines for six scoreless innings in 6-5 win
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp overcame a five-run first inning from the Durham Bulls on Thursday, and capped the comeback with a walk-off two-run homer from Joe Dunand in the ninth to win 6-5 at 121 Financial Ballpark.
It was the eighth walk-off victory of the season for Jacksonville (59-46), which has whittled their deficit to 8.5 games back of Durham (67-37) in the standings.
Trailing 5-3 in the ninth inning, Monte Harrison was hit by a pitch with one out and Brian Miller followed with a single. With runners at the corners, Miller stole second base, his 30th swipe of the season, to put a pair of runners in scoring position. Bryson Brigman lifted a sacrifice fly to center field to score Harrison and make it a one run game against Joey Krehbiel (loss, 2-2). Dunand then blasted a game-winning two-run shot to left to lift the Jumbo Shrimp to a 6-5 victory.
The Jacksonville bullpen was exceptional to pave the way for the offense. Bryan Mitchell allowed only one walk in four scoreless innings, striking out three, and Rob Zastryzny (win, 2-0) fired two scoreless frames and struck out a pair. After Durham tallied five baserunners in the first inning, they registered only four combined through the remainder of the contest.
After Jacksonville starter Shawn Morimando struck out the first two batters he faced in the ballgame, he issued a walk to Josh Lowe. Mike Brosseau then crushed a two-run homer to right field to put Durham on the board. Rene Pinto and David Freitas followed with a pair of singles before Tristan Gray slugged a three-run homer to right to make it a 5-0 Bulls lead.
Eddy Alvarez launched his fourth home run of the season for Jacksonville in the second to put the Jumbo Shrimp on the scoreboard at 5-1.
In the fourth, Nick Fortes and Lewin Díaz began the frame with back-to-back singles. Alvarez made it three straight hits with an RBI single to right-center. Lorenzo Qunitana then bounced into a double play, which allowed Díaz to score and make it a 5-3 ballgame.
Jacksonville looks to draw even in the series Friday when they send lefty Daniel Castano (4-2, 4.63) to the mound to face off with Durham right-hander Shane Baz (2-0, 1.80). First pitch is set for 7:05 p.m. and gates open at 6 p.m. at 121 Financial Ballpark for Friday Night Lites, where fans can enjoy $2 12 oz. Miller Lite from 6-7:30 p.m. and $1 off all other craft beers under the Brown Canopy. It’s also Red Shirt Friday, as fans are encouraged to wear red to support the military and those who do so will save $1 per ticket at the Miller Electric Box Office, or can donate that $1 to charity.
Following the game, the Shrimp will shoot off fireworks, presented by Florida Blue. Additionally, it’s Topless Appreciation Day in which all bald dudes (and ladies) will get 20 percent off hats in the team store. The Jumbo Shrimp will have specials on burgers with no buns and all kinds of great, hair-raising fun.
Coverage begins at 6:50 p.m. at Facebook.com/ESPN690JAX and on MiLB.tv.
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.
