SL1 Knoxville Smokies

Smokies Rally Late But Fall Short in 5-4 Loss, Friday

Published on May 10, 2013 under Southern League (SL1)
Knoxville Smokies News Release


KODAK, Tenn. - A two-run ninth for the Tennessee Smokies in Friday night's affair with the Birmingham Barons narrowed the team's 5-2 deficit and brought a Smokies Park crowd of 4,078 to their feet. Tennessee's rally wasn't enough, as Birmingham (24-10) defeated the Smokies 5-4 at Smokies Park and gave the Smokies (15-18) their seventh consecutive loss.

The Smokies got on the board early as outfielder Matt Szczur drew a lead off walk, stole second and later scored on a sacrifice fly by Ty Wright. However, the Barons would get runs in the second and third innings off Tennessee starter Eric Jokisch, making the score 2-1.

Tennessee would tie the game at two when Rubi Silva hit a home run off Barons starter Scott Snodgress (5-1). It was Silva's sixth home run of the year.

Joksich surrendered a three-run home run to Birmingham catcher Mike Blanke to give the Barons a 5-2 lead in the fifth.

The Smokies mounted a late-inning comeback in the ninth, putting the game-winning run on base. Wright and Christian Villanueva led off the inning with back-to-back singles. Silva reached on a fielder's choice and then stole second base. Following a strikeout, Rafael Lopez and Elliot Soto walked, scoring Wright from third. Matt Szczur also walked, scoring Silva. Down 5-4 with two outs, Barons reliever Dan Webb (S, 1) got Ronald Torreyes to ground out to first, ending the Smokies rally.

Smokies starter Eric Jokisch (3-3) went 4.1 innings, giving up five runs on eight hits, walking four and striking out four.

Relievers Brian Schlitter and Frank Batista combined to throw 4.2 scoreless innings surrendering three hits and striking out four.

The Smokies and Barons will conclude their five-game series Saturday evening at 6:15 p.m. at Smokies Park. Chicago Cubs pitcher Matt Garza will start for the Smokies as part of a MLB rehab assignment and will go up against the Barons' righty Stephen McCray (4-1, 2.70). Saturday is Salute to Heroes Night at Smokies Park. Prior to the game the Smokies will honor all military, past and present, in a pregame ceremony beginning at 5:15 p.m. All veterans and active military will receive free tickets. For tickets fans can visit www.smokiesbaseball.com or call 865-286-2300.

Check out the Knoxville Smokies Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Southern League Stories from May 10, 2013


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central