The Biloxi Shuckers don’t really mind playing the remainder of their 2018 regular season with an important issue hanging in the back of their minds. That’s because that critical issue involves getting ready for the playoffs and a predestined quest for the Southern League championship.
When the Shuckers – the Double-A minor league baseball team under the Milwaukee Brewers franchise – defeated the Mississippi Braves 5-0 on June 15, they clinched the First Half Season Championship in the Southern Division of the Southern League, assuring them of a playoff spot at the end of the regular season. The team jubilantly responded to the win with a joyous dog pile celebration in the center of the field, before aroaringcrown at MGM Park. Top ace pitcher Zack Brown missed earning a perfect game by just a field error in the eighth inning and a blooper base hit with just one out left in the ninth.
They team sent nine players to the Southern League All-Star Game in Birmingham, AL the next week before proceeding on with the Second Half season. Currently, they’re tied for 3rd in the Southern Division, 3.5 games behind the Pensacola Blue Wahoos.
Individual performers with the Shuckers continue to shine. Pitcher Zack Brown remains undefeated with an 8-0record, but is bested by Thomas Jankins on the team with 9 wins. Reliever Nate Griep has compiled 24 saves.
Outfielder Tory Stokes Jr. leads the team with a .250 batting average and 55 runs scored. First Baseman Jake Gatewood and outfielder Corey Ray leads the team in home runs with 16 apiece.
Ray, who hit three home runs in one game on July 11 against the Jackson Generals, also leads the Shuckers with 51 RBIs and 23 stolen bases.
The Shuckers are scheduled to have the first two home games of the first round of the playoffs to begin Sept. 5 and 6, following the Labor Day weekend.
