A masterful performance from starting pitcher Tate Kuehner and a decisive two-run eighth inning propelled Adam Hall and his Biloxi Shuckers teammates to a thrilling 3-2 comeback victory over the Rocket City Trash Pandas at Keesler Federal Park on Friday night. The win not only secured a crucial series triumph but also saw the Shuckers make Southern League history on two fronts.
Kuehner was in dominant form from the outset, carving through the Trash Pandas lineup with precision. The left-hander fanned six batters, reaching a significant personal milestone by becoming the first pitcher in the Southern League this season to record 100 strikeouts. His stellar outing kept the Shuckers in contention throughout a tightly contested affair.
The Shuckers initially drew first blood in the fourth inning when Jheremy Vargas delivered a clutch RBI single, sending Darrien Miller home from second base to give Biloxi a 1-0 lead. This narrow advantage held firm until the seventh inning, when a moment of misfortune allowed Rocket City to snatch the lead. A wild pitch and a subsequent throwing error saw the Trash Pandas push across two runs, turning the tables to make it 2-1.
However, the Shuckers, known for their resilience, refused to yield. The bottom of the eighth inning ignited their comeback charge. Ethan Murray led off with a walk, setting the stage for Zavier Warren. Warren then unleashed a powerful ground-rule double to left-center field, effortlessly scoring Murray and knotting the game at 2-2. The momentum was firmly with Biloxi.
With the game tied and a runner on, Hall stepped to the plate. Hall, who finished the night 1-for-4, hit a ground ball to third base. The Trash Pandas' third baseman misplayed the ball, committing a crucial fielding error that allowed Warren to sprint home from second, putting the Shuckers ahead 3-2. The home crowd erupted as Biloxi completed their dramatic turnaround.
The victory marked the Shuckers' 30th home win of the season, making them the first team in the Southern League to reach that impressive tally. They will look to carry this momentum into Saturday night's contest, with first pitch scheduled for 6:05 p.m. at Keesler Federal Park.
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