Mitchell extends scoreless streak, fans four in relief
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. –The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp scored two runs in the second inning to take the lead on Thursday but were unable to make it stand up in an 8-4 loss to the Charlotte Knights at 121 Financial Ballpark.
Jacksonville (49-38) tallied just five hits in the ballgame while the Knights (31-55) rattled off five extra base hits in the ballgame.
In the second inning, Nick Fortes and Monte Harrison both got into scoring position on back-to-back errors by Charlotte. Brian Miller followed with a sacrifice fly, and Justin Twine added an RBI single to put Jacksonville in front, 2-0.
Jonathan Stiever (win, 5-5) allowed just the two unearned runs across five innings, giving up two hits and a walk, and striking out three.
But the lead was short lived. Matt Reynolds walked to lead off the third and Ti’Quan Forbes followed with a two-run homer to left to tie the score.
Charlotte then went ahead in the fifth inning against Jumbo Shrimp Jordan Holloway (loss, 0-5), who issued back-to-back walks to begin the frame. The Knights capitalized with a two-run double from Blake Rutherfold and an RBI single from Yermin Mercedes to take a 5-2 lead.
Charlotte added another three-spot in the eighth inning with back-to-back one out doubles from Gavin Sheets and Mikie Mahtook, along with an RBI single from Micker Adolfo and a sac fly from Forbes to make it 8-2.
Jacksonville did plate a pair of the eighth inning as Nick Fortes ripped a two-run double to score Devin Hariston and Corey Bird, who had singled and walked, respectively, to make it 8-2.
The teams will face off in a doubleheader Friday, with first pitch of game one slated for 5:05 p.m. Right-hander Edward Cabrera (0-2, 3.72) will start for the Jumbo Shrimp in game one against Charlotte righty Jimmy Lambert (3-3, 5.12). In game two, Jacksonville will send righty Nick Neidert (5-1, 1.90) to the hill to duel with Knights lefty John Parke (1-0, 0.90).
Gates open at 4:30 p.m. for Red Shirt Friday and 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.
Jacksonville will also celebrate national left-hander’s day with a limited edition, left-handed, Captain Crustacean and Dr. Cocktail Sauce cereal bowl to the first 2,000 fans through the gates presented by 121 Financial Credit Union and First Watch.
Fans are invited to stick around following the game for a very special left-handed fireworks show presented by 121 Financial Credit Union and First Watch.
Coverage begins at 4:50 p.m. on ESPN 690 as well as online at espn690.com, MiLB.tv, and 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.
