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SL1 Knoxville Smokies

Carolina Sends Tennessee to 6th Straight Loss

June 13, 2003 - Southern League (SL1)
Knoxville Smokies News Release


Zebulon, NC. - John Nelson was thrown out at home trying to score the tying run in the top of the ninth as Carolina (40-25) sent Tennessee (34-33) to its sixth straight loss, 2-1, Friday night at Five County Stadium.

Nelson followed Yadier Molina's ninth inning single with a fielder's choice, beating out a close call at first. Scott Krause delivered a pinch hit line drive into the right-field corner where it was fielded by Matt Padgett. Padgett relayed to second basemen Drew Niles, who's throw home to catcher Brandon Harper beat a diving Nelson by two steps.

Tennessee opened the scoring in the sixth inning against Carolina starter Todd Moser. Newcomer Al Benjamin singled and scored on a double by Kevan Burns to put the Smokies up 1-0.

Carolina got all the offense it would need against Smokies starter Jeremy Cummings (6-6) in the seventh. Josh Wilson doubled with one out and moved to third on a double by Chip Ambres. Ambres was thrown out rounding second on a ball that initially caught by Benjamin in center field and dropped when he ran into the wall. The confusion kept Ambres from scoring, but only momentarily. Brandon Harper launched a two-run home run over the left field wall to put the Mudcats on top 2-1.

Ryan Baker (2-1) worked a scoreless seventh to earn the win.

The Smokies added Benjamin was added to the roster prior to the game to take the roster spot of pitcher Josh Pearce, who was promoted to Triple A Memphis Wednesday afternoon. Benjamin was acquired from the Independent Atlantic League's Newark Bears where he was hitting .242 through 24 games.

The second game of the series is Saturday night at Five County Stadium. Rick Ankiel (1-4, 9.40) will start for Tennessee opposite Randy Messenger (3-4, 6.12).

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