Wallach, Diaz homer for Jacksonville in 3-1 win
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Chad Wallach and Isan Diaz each launched a solo home run for Jacksonville on Wednesday to help edge the Durham Bulls, 3-1, at 121 Financial Ballpark.
It was just the second win for Jacksonville (24-18) this season when scoring fewer than four runs in a contest. Durham (29-14) stranded nine men on base, including leaving the tying run on in each of the final two frames.
Dalton Kelly opened the scoring for Durham with a solo home run in the second inning against Shawn Morimando (win, 2-2). That was the only run Morimando would allow, as he delivered six innings, giving up four hits and three walks with six strikeouts. He has now won back-to-back outings, going at least six innings in both starts.
Wallach launched an opposite-field home run to right field in the home half of the second inning to tie the score, and Díaz hit a go-ahead shot in the fifth inning off of Joe Ryan (loss, 2-3). The two home runs were the only baserunners that Ryan allowed in five innings of work.
The Jumbo Shrimp tacked on an insurance run in the eighth inning. With one out, Corey Bird singled against Adam Conley and then stole second to get into scoring position. Bryson Brigman followed with a double into the right field corner to score Bird and increase the advantage to 3-1.
After Sean Guenther tossed two scoreless innings, striking out two, Steven Okert entered for the ninth. After yielding a pair of singles, Okert induced a double-play ball to seal the victory and pick up his fourth save.
Game three of the six game series is set for 7:05 p.m. on Thursday, when lefty Eric Stout (0-1, 12.96) takes the mound for Jacksonville opposite Durham righty Drew Strotman (5-2, 4.46).
Thursday’s game is a Budweiser Thirsty Thursday, in which fans can purchase $2 (12 oz. draft) and $3 (24 oz. draft) Budweiser products on the left field berm canopy, Oasis concession stand, and right field bleachers. Thursday is also “Say Yes to Crack” Night, as the Jumbo Shrimp salute chiropractors, plumbers, bakers and safe crackers with games and contests throughout the night.
The broadcast will begin at 6:50 p.m. on ESPN 690 as well as online 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.
