Hardin Stars as Shuckers Fall in Fastest Game in Franchise History

COLUMBUS, GA – Tyson Hardin and Ian Mejia locked horn in a pitcher’s duel throughout the night, but two runs proved to be the difference as the Biloxi Shuckers (42-28, 0-1) fell to the Columbus Clingstones (27-40, 1-0), 2-0 at Synovus Park on Tuesday night. At one hour and 49 minutes, the game marked the fastest nine-inning game in Shuckers’ franchise history.

Columbus took a 1-0 lead in the fifth with a sacrifice fly from E.J. Exposito and made it 2-0 in the eighth with a solo home run from Ethan Workinger. Shuckers’ starter Tyson Hardin (0-1) took the loss and allowed one run with six strikeouts over six innings, his second consecutive Double-A start of at least six innings and his sixth of the season across 13 starts. With the start, Hardin becomes the third Shuckers pitcher this season to record multiple six-inning starts, joining Coleman Crow and Alexander Cornielle. He joins Crow as the only pitcher to achieve the feat in back-to-back starts. Out of the bullpen, Tyler Bryant starred for the Shuckers with two strikeouts in a scoreless seventh inning.

Ian Mejia (7-1) earned the win after seven strikeouts across a career-high eight shutout innings for the Clingstones. Austin Smith earned his second save of the season after a scoreless ninth.

At the plate, Ethan Murray (2-for-3) and Bladimir Restituyo (2-for-3) recorded multi-hit performances for the Shuckers.

The series continues on Wednesday at Synovus Park with first pitch scheduled for 6:05 p.m. K.C. Hunt (4-4, 4.61) is slated to start for the Shuckers against Lucas Braun (3-2, 4.57) for the Clingstones. Fans can listen live on the Biloxi Shuckers Radio Network with pregame coverage beginning at 5:45 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.