SL1 Knoxville Smokies

Total team effort drives Smokies to 5-0 win

Published on April 25, 2009 under Southern League (SL1)
Knoxville Smokies News Release


SEVIERVILLE, Tenn. - A combination of 12 hits and stellar pitching propel the Tennessee Smokies to a 5-0 victory over the Carolina Mudcats at Smokies Park in front of 6,143. Fans came in droves, and were treated to six scoreless innings tossed by Smokies' starter Casey Lambert.

The Smokies' bats were on fire as well in the game, collecting 12 hits on the night. 2B Tony Thomas, CF Matt Camp and 3B Jonathan Mota led the way with two hits each. All nine of the Smokies' starters picked up at least one hit on the night.

The Smokies would strike first when Camp singled in the first, followed by a double by RF Richie Robnett, which put runners at second and third. LF Ty Wright would send a sacrifice fly to center field, scoring Camp and giving the Smokies an early 1-0 lead.

Tennessee would strike again in the second inning after singles by C Steve Clevenger and SS Darwin Barney, bringing Lambert to the plate. Lambert would send a soft line drive to center field. Mudcats' CF Michael Griffin dove to catch the ball, and umpire Karl Best called the ball a no-catch, resulting in Clevenger scoring on the play. Unaware of the umpire's call Barney was caught between second and third, and was called out on the rare 8-4-5-3 putout. Carolina's SS Zach Cozart was ejected from the game for arguing the "no-catch" call. Clevenger's run would increase the Smokies lead to 2-0.

After three scoreless innings the Smokies would strike again in the sixth. They started the rally with singles from Wright and 1B Blake Lalli. Mota would then send a line drive to center field, scoring Wright from second putting the Smokies ahead 3-0.

Tennessee's bats stayed hot into the seventh, as Thomas and Camp hit back-to-back doubles helping the Smokies increase their lead 5-0.

The run support was more than Lambert needed. In six scoreless innings he allowed only three hits striking out two and zero walks, while also gathering his first career hit. Relievers, Jeremy Papelbon and Vince Parker, slammed the door combining to give up only four hits across three innings of work.

Mudcats' starter Dallas Buck took the loss, dropping him to 2-1 on the season.

Tennessee's victory moves them to 8-7, tied for first place with Huntsville. The loss moves Carolina to 6-10.

The five-game series against Carolina continues Sunday at Smokies Park with first pitch slated for 2:00 p.m. The Smokies will call on lefty James Russell (0-2, 9.69) to start with the Mudcats countering with Travis Wood (0-2, 0.57). Gates for the afternoon matinee will open at 1:00 p.m. Ticket are available at www.smokiesbaseball.com or by calling (865) 286-2300.

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Southern League Stories from April 25, 2009


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