The Appalachian League's leading batter Brady Shoemaker hit a grand slam in his first at-bat Saturday night to help lead the visiting Bristol White Sox past the Pulaski Mariners 6-3.

Pulaski pitcher Anthony Vasquez gave up two hits and plunked Bristol's Misael Tavarez to load the bases in the top of the first inning for Shoemaker's fourth home run of the season. Vasquez (2-1) lost for the first time in eight appearances this season.

White Sox pitcher Steven Upchurch (3-4) earned the win, retiring the first eleven batters he faced. Philip Negus gained his first save of the season in just over an inning of work.

Shoemaker was the 19th round selection out of Indiana State University this June, and his 26-game hit streak has covered his entire professional career. 

The Mariners lost for the first time in six games and remain 6.5 games behind the Danville Braves in their division. The Braves lost 8-6 to the Bluefield Orioles.

Pulaski's four-game series with the Sox will continue Sunday night at 7 pm.

Game Notes: Shoemaker walked three times after his blast and is batting .420 on the season... Mariners' third baseman Vinnie Catricala's RBI in the sixth inning gave him the team lead with 20 for the season... Pulaski got five innings of solid relief from Brian Cloud and Colin Buckborough in the loss.