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Tennessee Smokies

Barons Halt Smokies Streak, 4-2, in Front of 7,727

August 28, 2016 - Southern League (SL1)
Tennessee Smokies News Release


SEVIERVILLE - RHP Zach Hedges allowed just one earned run over six innings, while RF Lane Adams added a two-run double, but the Smokies' five-game winning streak was snapped by the Birmingham Barons, 4-2, on Saturday night in front of 7,727 fans at Smokies Stadium.

The crowd of 7,727 marks the seventh-largest crowd in stadium history. On May 14 against Birmingham, Tennessee welcomed 7,902 through the gates to set a Smokies Stadium record. The fifth-largest crowd was recorded on July 4 against Jackson, as 7,763 fans filed in to the friendly confines.

With the loss, Tennessee's season-high-tying five-game winning streak has come to a close with the Smokies falling to 26-34 in the second half and 54-76 overall. Birmingham's victory snaps a 12-game losing streak and improves their mark to 19-42 in the season's second leg and 48-83 in total.

Tied at two headed to the ninth, Birmingham used 3B Joey DeMichele (1-4, R, HR, RBI, 2 SO) to jump ahead for good. With one out, the former Arizona State Sun Devil slapped the first pitch he saw over the left-field wall for a solo home run. The blast - his 10th of the season - put the Barons in front, 3-2.

Birmingham would add one more insurance run in the inning. C Sean O'Connell (1-4) singled to right and pinch-runner Chris O'Dowd entered to swipe second base. CF Hunter Jones (2-4, R, HR, 2 RBI) followed by rapping a single to center - scoring the runner from second - to put Birmingham ahead, 4-2.

Tennessee had rallied in the eighth to even the game up. 3B Jason Vosler (2-4, R, 2 SO) started the inning with a single and scooted to second on a wild pitch. CF Trey Martin (0-1, R, BB) was then hit by a pitch and SS Carlos Penalver (0-2) proceeded to sacrifice bunt the tying runs to second and third.

After a line out to the pitcher, Adams (1-4, 2B, 2 RBI) roped a 1-0 pitch into left-center field for a base-hit. Both runners scored, as Adams slid into second with a double to tie the contest at two.

The Barons grabbed the lead in the third inning. Jones started the frame by clobbering a 1-2 offering over the fence in left for a solo home run. The 25-year-old's first Double-A home run gave Birmingham a 1-0 edge. RF Keenyn Walker (0-4, R, BB) would then reach on a three-base error and score on a RBI single to left by LF Courtney Hawkins (2-5, RBI, SO).

Neither starter earned a decision despite quality starts on Saturday. Hedges (6.0 IP, 5 H, 2 R, ER, BB, 5 SO) was brilliant again for the Smokies, surrendering only one earned run over six innings. RHP Nolan Sanburn (7.0 IP, 5 H, BB, 2 SO) was even more impressive for Birmingham, hurling seven shutout frames.

RHP Matt Cooper (1.1 IP, 2 SO) escaped a jam for the Barons in the eighth and recorded the final three outs in the ninth to earn his second win of the season. Smokies' RHP Nick Sarianides (1.0 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, SO) yielded both runs in the ninth, suffering his third loss of the campaign.

LF Kelly Dugan (3-4, SO) continued his recent tear for Tennessee, tying a season-best with three hits. Vosler (2-4, R, 2 SO) added a multi-hit performance of his own, while Adams (1-4, 2B, 2 RBI) and C Ben Carhart (1-4, 2B) stretched their hitting streaks to 10 and five games, respectively.

Tennessee looks to get back in the win column tomorrow night, as RHP Tyler Skulina (4-11, 5.62 ERA) is scheduled to take the ball for the Smokies . Birmingham is projected to go with LHP Blair Walters (4-6, 4.29 ERA) in series' second battle.

The Pilot Pre-Game Show will kick off the broadcast at 4:50 p.m. ET, leading up to the 5:05 p.m. ET start from Smokies Stadium. Sunday night's contest can be heard exclusively on SmokiesBaseball.com or via the TuneIn Radio or MiLB First Pitch apps. Tomorrow's affair can also be viewed on MiLB.tv.

Fans are advised to arrive early on Sunday as the first 1,000 people through the gates will receive the Smokies' annual Dog Calendar Giveaway presented by NexGard and Heartgard Plus . It will also be a U.S. Cellular Family FUNday at the ballpark. For $48, fans can enjoy a package that include four tickets, four meal vouchers and two kid's zone wristbands.

The Tennessee Smokies Charity of Choice for the 2016 season is Alzheimer's Tennessee. Alzheimer's Tennessee's mission is to serve those facing Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, to promote brain health through education, and to champion global prevention and treatment efforts. For more information on how to join the Tennessee Smokies in helping Alzheimer's Tennessee achieve their mission, please visit http://www.alztennessee.org/smokies/.

Single-game tickets, as well as multi-voucher and season ticket packages are still available, and can be purchased online at smokiesbaseball.com, or by calling the Smokies Ticket Office at 865-286-2300

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