Biloxi, MS - - - - Fueled by retiring 16 straight batters set down during his start, RHP Alec Bettinger (W, 1-3) captained the Biloxi Shuckers (21-20) to a 4-0 victory over the Chattanooga Lookouts (21-18) during Thursday's series opener at MGM Park.
Chattanooga's bats were all but silent against Biloxi's pitching while Lookouts' pitching could not stop Shuckers' bats in the shutout loss Thursday.
Biloxi's first big hit came in the first at bat of the game. Michael O'Neill worked a favorable 3-1 count, then pummeled a solo homer over the left field wall off Scott Moss (L, 2-2) for the early 1-0 lead.
After walking Taylor Trammell in the first inning, Bettinger did not allow another base runner until Alfredo Rodriguez singled in the sixth to end a stretch of 16 straight retired.
The 23-year-old right-hander struck out at least one hitter in all seven of his innings, including Jose Siri and Gavin LaValley in the seventh for his ninth and tenth punch outs of the night.
Max McDowell added to the lead in the sixth, bashing his second home run of the season to left field to make it a 3-0 score. The Biloxi catcher collected his first three-hit game of the year, finishing 3-for-4 with two RBI and a run.
It was as they say "one of those nights" when hitting and pitching just weren't together.
Lookouts game highlights (from redsminorleagues.com)
Alfredo Rodriguez went 2-4 with a stolen base.
Taylor Trammell went 1-3 with a walk and a double.
Scott Moss allowed 2 earned in 5.0 innings with 5 walks and 2 strikeouts.
Aaron Fossas threw a perfect inning of relief.
The two teams meet for game two on Friday evening with the Lookouts pitcher TBA while the Shuckers send RHP-Johan Belisario (2-0,2.59) to the mound. Fans can follow the game on 98.1 The Lake and at MiLB.com beginning at 7:00 ET.