BayBears edge Shuckers in series opener

MOBILE, Ala. (May 23, 2018) - The Mobile BayBears, the Double-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels, recorded a 3-2 victory over the Biloxi Shuckers in the series opener Wednesday night at Hank Aaron Stadium.
Luis Pena (2-4) pitched 5 2/3 scoreless innings, allowed just three hits, and struck out a season-high seven batters in his second win. He retired 10 straight Biloxi (28-18) hitters following a leadoff double in the top of the first.
The BayBears (24-21) broke a scoreless tie with a pair of runs in the fifth inning. Jared Walsh plated a run with an RBI double, his second hit of the game, and scored on a Zach Gibbons single. Zach Houchins added a solo home run in the sixth, becoming the third Mobile player to go yard in consecutive games this season.
Tyler Stevens recorded a six-out save with four strikeouts in his Double-A debut. Stevens struck out the side in the ninth inning.
Cody Ponce (1-3) took the loss, despite giving up just one earned run over 5 2/3 innings. He has only allowed two runs in his four career starts against the BayBears, spanning 23 2/3 innings.
Clint Coulter provided a spark off the bench for the Shuckers, with a pinch-hit RBI double in the seventh. He scored later in the frame on a Dustin Houle single.
The BayBears continue the five-game home series against Biloxi Thursday at 6:35 p.m. CDT. Right-handed pitcher Jose Rodriguez (3-4, 4.62 ERA) is scheduled to make the start for Mobile. Live coverage can be seen on MiLB.tv (subscription required, promo code: BAYBEARS) and heard on the BayBears Broadcast Network, the TuneIn Radio App, and the MiLB First Pitch App, with the Countdown to First Pitch starting at 6:15 p.m.
The BayBears host a total of 70 home dates through Labor Day, September 3. Single-game tickets and ticket packages are currently on sale. Group and hospitality offerings for the 2018 season can be reserved by calling (251) 479-BEAR (2327).
 
About the Mobile BayBears
The Mobile BayBears are the Double-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels and play their games at Hank Aaron Stadium in Mobile, Ala. The BayBears were founded in 1997 and have won four Southern League titles in 1998, 2004, 2011, and 2012. Additionally, the 1998 and 2011 championship squads were named Minor League Team of the Year by Baseball America. More than 160 former BayBears have reached the Major League level, including All-Stars Max Scherzer, Paul Goldschmidt, Jake Peavy, Carlos González, and Justin Upton. For more information on the Mobile BayBears and Hank Aaron Stadium, please visit MobileBayBears.com, call (251) 479-BEAR (2327), or contact Steve Goldberg via email at [email protected].
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