It’s been six years since the Mississippi Gulf Coast has felt the thrill of playoff baseball, but tonight the wait ends. The Biloxi Shuckers return to the Southern League postseason for just the fourth time in franchise history, opening a semifinal matchup against the Montgomery Biscuits at Riverwalk Stadium.
This marks Biloxi’s first playoff appearance since 2019, when the club captured its first Southern League championship. For longtime fans at MGM Park, it’s a long-awaited reminder of what makes September baseball so special on the coast.
The Shuckers’ Playoff Legacy
- 2015: The Road Warriors
The inaugural Shuckers team became an instant story in Southern League lore. Forced to spend the first 54 games of the season on the road while MGM Park was being built, Biloxi never blinked. Powered by a roster that featured shortstop Orlando Arcia and future big league left-hander Josh Hader, the Shuckers rode their chemistry and resilience into the playoffs. They reached the Southern League Championship Series, falling just short to Chattanooga, but set the foundation for a winning culture. - 2018: Pitching Carries the Flag
Three years later, Biloxi returned to October behind a pitching staff loaded with Milwaukee Brewers prospects. Names like Corbin Burnes, Freddy Peralta, and Zack Brown made starts in a season defined by dominant outings. Biloxi advanced to the Southern League Finals once again but ran into a red-hot Jackson Generals team. Despite falling short, it was clear Biloxi had become a force in the league. - 2019: Southern League Champions
Everything came together in 2019. With Trent Grisham patrolling the outfield and Drew Rasmussen emerging on the mound, the Shuckers clinched their first Southern League title. That club was marked by depth, discipline, and timely hitting, with role players stepping up in clutch moments. The title remains the crown jewel of Biloxi’s young franchise history, celebrated on the concourse of MGM Park to this day.
The 2025 Shuckers
This year’s club is defined by its blend of speed, power, and pitching depth.
- Luis Lara (OF): One of the league’s top table-setters. Among the Southern League leaders in doubles and runs scored, Lara’s ability to get on base and create havoc with his speed will be critical against Montgomery.
- Cooper Pratt (INF): A Mississippi native and top Brewers prospect, Pratt has quickly become a fan favorite. His bat continues to develop, and his glove gives Biloxi stability in the infield.
- Brock Wilken (INF): Provides the thump in the middle of the order. Wilken’s power bat makes him the kind of hitter who can change a playoff game with one swing.
- Eric Brown Jr. (INF): Adds versatility, speed, and defensive consistency. His knack for getting on base and swiping bags adds another layer to Biloxi’s offense.
- Jeferson Quero (C): The Shuckers’ steady presence behind the plate. Quero calls games like a veteran and is a trusted guide for Biloxi’s young pitching staff.
On the mound, the Shuckers’ strength is depth:
- K.C. Hunt (RHP): A reliable starter with command and composure, Hunt is expected to play a key role in the series.
- Brett Wichrowski (RHP): One of Biloxi’s breakout arms, Wichrowski has proven capable of handling pressure innings.
- Bullpen Core: Names like Bishop Letson and Kaleb Bowman give Biloxi multiple late-inning options, while young arms such as Raúl Alcántara and Jaron DeBerry add depth.
Tonight in Montgomery
The matchup against the Biscuits is a study in contrasts:
- Montgomery’s Bats: The Biscuits boast one of the most productive lineups in the league, leading the way in home runs and RBIs. Their ability to string together crooked numbers has been their calling card.
- Biloxi’s Pitching Depth: The Shuckers’ formula all season has been to shorten games. If starters like Hunt or Wichrowski can get through five solid innings, Biloxi can hand the ball to a bullpen that has been airtight in close games.
- Key to Victory: The Shuckers must steal at least one game in Montgomery to bring the series back home. Game Two (and if necessary, Game Three) will be played at Keesler Federal Park Thursday and Friday, where the Biloxi faithful are eager for playoff baseball’s return.
If Biloxi can advance past Montgomery, they’ll head to the Southern League Championship Series for the third time in franchise history, and the first time since their 2019 triumph.
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