Hardin Leads Shuckers to South Division Title in Double-A Debut
BILOXI, MS – Behind Tyson Hardin’s strong start in his Double-A debut, the Biloxi Shuckers (40-25) clinched the First Half title in the South Division with a 6-2 victory over the Knoxville Smokies (30-34) at Keesler Federal Park on Wednesday night. The division title marks the Shuckers’ first since 2019,
BILOXI, MS – Behind Tyson Hardin’s strong start in his Double-A debut, the Biloxi Shuckers (40-25) clinched the First Half title in the South Division with a 6-2 victory over the Knoxville Smokies (30-34) at Keesler Federal Park on Wednesday night. The division title marks the Shuckers’ first since 2019, and clinches a playoff berth for the second consecutive season. The Shuckers are scheduled to host games two and three (if necessary) of the Southern League Division Series on September 18 and 19 at 6:35 p.m.
The Shuckers fell behind in the first inning with an RBI single from Corey Joyce, but Tyson Hardin worked around any additional damage with two strikeouts, his first at the Double-A level. In the second, the Shuckers struck back on a wild pitch with the bases loaded, tying the game at one. Later in the inning, Bladimir Restituyo smashed a three-run home run to left, his second of the season, making it 4-1. The Shuckers stretched the lead to 5-1 in the third with an RBI single to left from Luis Lara. The Smokies made it 5-2 in the fourth with a solo home run from BJ Murray Jr., but the Shuckers stretched the lead back to four in the seventh when Luke Adams scored from third on a double play.
Tyson Hardin, making his Double-A debut, struck out five over 6.0 innings and scattered four hits. Hardin (1-0) earned the win while Sam Armstrong (1-5) took the loss.Zavier Warren (2-for-4) and Bladimir Restituyo (2-for-3) each tallied a multi-hit game for the Shuckers.
The series continues on Thursday with first pitch scheduled for 6:35 p.m. K.C. Hunt (4-4, 4.53) is slated to start for the Shuckers against Nick Dean (1-1, 2.03) for the Smokies. Fans can kickstart the weekend with Thirsty Thursday™ presented by PBR, Coca-Cola, and Kicker108 with $2 PBR cans, drafts, hot dogs, and Coca-Cola products. Fans can splash in with $4 draft beer specials on Miller Lite and Coors Light at the first and third-base Beer Gardens. Fans can also cash in on almost 60% savings with the Thirsty Thursday™ Deal, which includes a Reserved Level ticket and two drink vouchers for $17 in advance. Fans can listen live on the Biloxi Shuckers Radio Network with pregame coverage beginning at 6:15 p.m.
Fans can save up to 50% off day-of-game pricing by securing their 2025 Shuck Nation membership today. Shuck Nation memberships, Flex Plans and group outings are available now by visiting biloxishuckers.com, the ballpark offices and by calling (228) 233-3465. Fans can also receive more information regarding the full promotion schedule and single-game tickets on the Shuckers website.
ABOUT THE BILOXI SHUCKERS:
The Biloxi Shuckers are the Double-A Affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers. The Shuckers are members of the Southern League and play at Keesler Federal Park in Biloxi, Mississippi. For more information, please visit biloxishuckers.com and follow us on Twitter @biloxishuckers and at facebook.com/biloxishuckers.
ABOUT SHUCKERS BASEBALL, LLC:
Shuckers Baseball, LLC is a MS entity owned and operated by John Tracy. Shuckers Baseball operates the Biloxi Shuckers baseball franchise, including operating Keesler Federal Park for Biloxi Shuckers minor league baseball games and other entertainment and recreational events.