Making their second appearance in the Southern League Championship Series in three years, the Jackson Generals fell in game one to Biloxi, 7-0, at The Ballpark at Jackson, Tuesday.
Biloxi scored twice in the first inning, three in the sixth and got six strong innings from pitcher Braden Webb, to take a 1-0 lead in the best-of-five series.
“Webb was extremely good today … fastballs … change up … any count he really kept our hitters off balance and made it hard for them all night long,” said Shelley Duncan, manager of the Jackson Generals, “Anytime you get in a deep hole like that, it’s hard to have that feeling of putting together long at bats and battling and grinding.
“That’s the kind of the approach you need have to have against a guy like Webb. We had our backs against the wall from the first inning on, (but) you have to tip your hat – they did a tremendous job at the plate and on the mound.”
The Shuckers wasted no time in the first inning when leadoff hitter Corey Ray walked and scored the game’s first run after Troy Stokes Jr., followed with a double to center.
Stokes, who took third on the throw to home to try and get Ray, scored on a passed ball, and the Shuckers – the Double-A affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers – led 2-0.
Webb, a third round pick of the Brewers from the University of South Carolina, had a no-hit bid end in the sixth, when Domingo Leyba, doubled after Kevin Medrano walked.
“It was the first time we’ve seen him,” Duncan said. “It was his third start in Double-A. He did an outstanding job in the Carolina League this year, and it looks like he’s got a bright future ahead of him.”
Webb walked three and struck out seven.
Ben DeLuzio added a ninth-inning single for the Generals only other hit.
Taylor Widener, who also played collegiately at South Carolina, gave up five runs – four earned, walked two and struck out six.
The Generals and Shuckers play game two at 6:05 p.m., at The Ballpark at Jackson, Wednesday.
(PHOTO: Biloxi defeated Jackson, 7-0, Tuesday)
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