Jumbo Shrimp Recap: Encarnacion Homers but Jacksonville Falls to Gwinnett, 6-3

LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. (Florida Sports Wire) – Jerar Encarnacion homered but the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp fell to the Gwinnett Stripers 6-3 Saturday night at Coolray Field.

File Photo by Jim Brady/SportsDay

Gwinnett (47-51) took the early lead in the bottom of the first. With one out, Preston Tucker singled and Taylor Motter (9) clubbed a two-run home run against Jacksonville (54-44) starter Cody Mincey (L, 0-1) putting the Stripers in front 2-0. Chadwick Tromp (11) followed with another home run to give Gwinnett a 3-0 lead.

Jacksonville got on the board in the top of the third against Gwinnett starter Bryce Elder (W, 6-4). With one out, Erik González singled and Bubba Hollins walked. Two batters later, Brian Miller smacked a single, scoring González to cut the deficit 3-1.

The Jumbo Shrimp plated another run in the top of the fourth. Encarnacion (11) led off the inning with a solo home run, making the score 3-2.

Gwinnett stayed hot taking a four-run lead in the bottom of the sixth. With one out, Alex Dickerson and Pat Valaika singled. Ryan Casteel (11) smacked a three-run home run to put the Stripers ahead 6-2.

Jacksonville scored their final run in the top of the seventh. Ryan Lavarnway led off with a single and two batters later, Hollins walked. With runners on first and second, Bryson Brigman was hit by a pitch, loading the bases. Miller grounded out but Lavarnway scored from third to make it a three-run deficit.

Jacksonville wraps up their series with the Gwinnett Stripers Sunday at 1:05 p.m. LHP Matthew Kent (6-7, 5.28) will start on the bump for Jacksonville and Gwinnett will turn to LHP Tucker Davidson (3-7, 4.42) Coverage begins at 12:50 p.m. on ESPN 690 and ESPN690.com.