JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jumbo Shrimp won their home opener 7-1 over Chattanooga Wednesday night in front of 10,477 fans.
The Jumbo Shrimp struck for three runs in the 2nd inning, an Austin Nola double plated two runs and then Nola scored when Alex Yarborough drove him in.
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In the third inning, the Jumbo Shrimp loaded the bases and Taylor Ard cleared them with one swing of the bat. Ard's grand slam gave the Jumbo Shrimp a 7-0 lead after three innings.
The Jumbo Shrimp pitching staff made that hold up, limiting the Lookouts to five hits and one earned run.
The 10,477 fans at the game was the largest Opening Day crowd at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville since the stadium’s record-setting opening in 2003.
Wednesday’s crowd was also the largest crowd at a Southern League game at the ballpark since July 3, 2012. The stadium record of 12,943 was set at the venue’s first-ever game on April 11, 2003.
“We are so grateful to the people of Northeast Florida for the tremendous response to the Jumbo Shrimp identity, and they have opened a new chapter in Jacksonville baseball in outstanding fashion,” said Jumbo Shrimp owner Ken Babby. “We look forward to welcoming the community to Jumbo Shrimp games the next four nights and the rest of the season.”
“It is exciting to finally see Jumbo Shrimp fans at the ballpark for a game, and Opening Night is one we have eagerly anticipated,” said General Manager Harold Craw. “We cannot wait to continue the energy and excitement of Opening Night with affordable family fun at every Jumbo Shrimp game.”