Burke's Historic Effort Powers Shuckers to Extra-Innings Win on Opening Day

Brewers No. 18 prospect becomes first Southern League player with multi-home run game on Opening Day since 2014

By Javik Blake/Biloxi Shuckers

April 3, 2026

BILOXI, MS – The Biloxi Shuckers (1-0) used a multi-home run performance from Blake Burke and five strikeouts from Mark Manfredi Sr. in a 7-6, extra-innings win, on Opening Day against the Rocket City Trash Pandas. Burke’s multi-home run performance was a franchise record for an Opening Day game and

BILOXI, MS – The Biloxi Shuckers (1-0) used a multi-home run performance from Blake Burke and five strikeouts from Mark Manfredi Sr. in a 7-6, extra-innings win, on Opening Day against the Rocket City Trash Pandas. Burke’s multi-home run performance was a franchise record for an Opening Day game and marked the first in the Southern League since 2014, when Jaime Pedroza achieved the feat with the Birmingham Barons.

The Shuckers fell behind in the first when Tucker Flint lined a two-RBI double to left-center, making it 2-0. In the second, Jordyn Adams made it 2-1 with an RBI groundout to short, and Blake Burke tied the game in the fourth with a solo home run to left. Mike Boeve followed later in the inning with a 380-foot two-run blast down the right field line, making it 4-2. Burke then made it 5-2 in the fifth with his second home run of the night, a 108 MPH, 422-foot blast to right-center. In the eighth, a passed ball brought home Jacob Hurtubise, making it 6-2. The Trash Pandas tied the game in the eighth with four runs off a two-run double from Tucker Flint, an RBI single from Ben Gobbel and a double play from J.J. D’Orazio that brought home Flint. The Shuckers took their final lead of the night in the 10^th when a safety squeeze from Eric Brown Jr. scored Jacob Hurtubise from third.

At the plate, Dylan O’Rae (2-for-5), Blake Burke (2-for-5) and Mike Boeve (3-for-4) each recorded multi-hit performances. It marked Burke’s second career multi-home run game.

Brett Wichrowski (4.0ip, 1h, 6k) and Mark Manfredi Sr. (2.0ip, 0r, 5k) starred on the mound for the Shuckers, helping the staff to 15 strikeouts. Wichrowski also retired the final 10 hitters after Flint’s two-RBI double in the first. Manfredi (1-0) earned the win while Najer Victor (0-1) took the loss.

The Shuckers return to action tomorrow, with first pitch scheduled for 6:35 p.m. against the Trash Pandas. Bishop Letson (0-0,9.00 in ’25), the 96^th overall prospect in baseball, is slated to start for the Shuckers against Joel Hurtado (5-6, 2.70 in ’25) for the Trash Pandas. Coverage begins at 6:15 p.m. with the on-deck show on the Biloxi Shuckers Radio Network and The Hype 100.9.

Fans can save up to 50% off day-of-game pricing by securing their 2026 season membership. Season Memberships, Mini 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.