Bird hits game-tying homer, Jumbo Shrimp erase three-run deficit in 4-3 victory
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Despite falling behind 3-0 four batters into Thursday’s game, the Jacksonville bullpen pitched 8.2 scoreless innings with 15 strikes to help the Jumbo Shrimp rally past the Durham Bulls for a 4-3 victory in front of 5,183 fans at 121 Financial Ballpark.
Jacksonville (25-18) has now gone 15-6 this season in games decided by three runs or fewer and the victory matches their largest comeback win of the season. Durham (29-15) was held to just five hits in the ballgame, and didn’t advance a runner past second base after the first inning.
Trailing 3-0 and facing the bases loaded in the first inning, Preston Guilmet entered for the Jumbo Shrimp out of the bullpen. He produced a foul po pout and a strikeout to strand three, and keep Jacksonville down three.
Guilmet was exceptional out of the bullpen. He went on to retire all 11 batters he faced, striking out a season-high six batters in 3.2 scoreless in relief.
Parker Bugg (win, 2-0) took over on the mound in the fifth. He too dazzled in relief, fanning six batters over three scoreless innings, allowing just three hits and a walk. He struck out six to match his career-high.
The Jumbo Shrimp offense got going in the fourth. Garrett Cooper led off with a single, and Chad Wallach worked a walk to begin the inning. With one away, Deven Marrero hit a potential double-play ball to third, but the relay throw to first sailed wide, allowing Cooper to come into score and prolong the inning. One batter later, Corey Bird cranked a game-tying home run to right field, as the Jumbo Shrimp drew even at 3-3.
Then in the seventh inning, Jacksonville took their first lead of the ballgame. With runners at the corners and two outs, Lewis Brinson slapped a ball through the right side to score Justin Twine, who reached on a fielder’s choice earlier in the inning. It gave Jacksonville a 4-3 advantage.
Mason Melotakis (save, 1) came on to get the final six outs. He allowed just a bunt single and a walk while striking out three to earn his first save since 2017.
Jacksonville fell behind 3-0 in the first inning when Dalton Kelly and Kevin Padlo each worked walks, and with one out, Mike Ford took Jacksonville Eric Stout deep for a three-run home run to center field.
The Jumbo Shrimp and Bulls continue their series on Friday at 7:05 p.m. when lefty Braxton Garrett (3-2, 5.22) takes the mound for Jacksonville against righty Luis Patiño (2-1, 2.93) for Durham.
Gates open at 5:30 p.m. at 121 Financial Ballpark for Friday Night Lites, in which 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. Fans are encouraged to stick around after the game for the biggest Friday fireworks show of the year, presented by The Nimnicht Family of Dealerships, as the Jumbo Shrimp light up the sky with a special pre-Independence Day fireworks celebration. The Jumbo Shrimp will also be giving away patriotic hats to the first 1,000 fans, also presented by The Nimnicht Family of Dealerships.
It’s also Red Shirt Friday, and fans are encouraged to wear red to support the military. Those who do so will save $1 per ticket at the box office, or can donate that $1 to charity.
Coverage begins at 6:50 p.m. on ESPN 690 as well as on the ESPN 690 Facebook Page 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.
