
Donahue Homers in Late Loss to Mobile, 5-3
July 12, 2019 - Southern League (SL1)
Knoxville Smokies News Release
KODAK - The Tennessee Smokies (41-50, 8-14) could not hold on late against the Mobile BayBears (37-52, 10-11) in a 5-3 loss on Friday night at Smokies Stadium. Both teams combined for four total home runs including a three-run shot by Christian Donahue.
For the first time in the series Mobile grabbed a lead. Before fans had a chance to take their seats, Jo Adell launched his fifth home run of the season to leadoff the ballgame and give the BayBears an early 1-0 lead.
The Smokies responded quickly with a few fireworks of their own. With two runners on, It was Donahue who provided the power in the second inning with a sharp home run past the right field wall to make the score 3-1. It was Donahue's second blast of the season and the Smokies 36th in total.
BayBears starter RHP Andrew Wantz did not make it further than the second inning. The Smokies tallied three runs on four hits from eight batters in the frame to end his outing early.
In just his second start with Tennessee, RHP Jeffrey Passantino delivered another solid outing and left the game in line for the win. The 40th round selection by the Cubs in 2017 dealt five strikeouts in five innings and gave up just two runs on six hits in a no decision.
Adell was the gift that kept giving for the BayBears on their hunt to cut the deficit. He struck twice, first with an RBI-single in the fifth inning to score Julian Leon and tighten the score to 3-2. A few innings later, he delivered again to complete Mobile's comeback thanks to his second bomb of the game with a solo shot to right field. It was his third multi-home run game of his three year career.
Mobile secured the lead once again with their third home run of the night in the top of the ninth. It was Bo Way who delivered the go-ahead blast off RHP Jake Stinnett (L, 1-1) to plate two runs. RHP Joe Gatto (W, 4-3) grabbed the win out of the bullpen with two strong innings including two big back-to-back strikeouts to work out of an eighth inning jam. RHP Adam Hofacket (S, 6) followed in the ninth to pick up the save and seal a 5-3 win for the BayBears. With Nico Hoerner representing the winning run at the plate, a loud fly ball out turned into a game-ending double play at second base.
Game three between the Smokies and the BayBears is scheduled for Saturday night with a 7:00 PM ET first pitch. RHP Alex Lange (2-1, 3.52) makes his fifth start for the Smokies, while Mobile turns to RHP Tyler Carpenter (0-0, 2.93). Fans can enjoy 90's night at Smokies stadium featuring speciality jerseys, a fanny pack give away for the first 1,000 fans, and a post-game dance party.
• Discuss this story on the Southern League message board...
Southern League Stories from July 12, 2019
- Shuckers and Lookouts Suspended in Fourth - Biloxi Shuckers
- No-No a No-Go, Biscuits Still Win, 4-2 - Montgomery Biscuits
- Weather Plays, Lookouts & Shuckers Don't - Chattanooga Lookouts
- Donahue Homers in Late Loss to Mobile, 5-3 - Knoxville Smokies
- Seven Up: Westbrook's Walk-Off Hit Nets Seventh Straight Win, 8-7 - Jackson Generals
- Sheets Blast, Medeiros Relief Not Enough in Barons 8-7 Loss - Birmingham Barons
- Friday's Game Postponed in Jacksonville - Mississippi Braves
- Rain Postpones Friday's Contest Between Jumbo Shrimp and Braves - Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp
- Twine to Injured List, Brigman to Jacksonville - Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp
- Major Attraction: Inside Minor League Promotions - OSC Original by Tom Ando
- Major Attraction: Inside Minor League Promotions - OSC Original by Tom Ando
- Major Attraction: Inside Minor League Promotions - OSC Original by Tom Ando
- Generals Gameday: July 12 vs. Birmingham - Jackson Generals
- Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp: Game Notes, July 12 vs. Mississippi - Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp
- Smokies to Host Non-Profit Night on July 23 - Knoxville Smokies
- Familiarity Breeds Loss for Blue Wahoos - Pensacola Blue Wahoos
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.
Other Recent Knoxville Smokies Stories
- Knoxville Smokies Announces April 25 Job Fair
- Covenant Health Park Unveils Seven Statues to Honor Black History of Baseball in Knoxville
- Knoxville Smokies Announces Iron Forge Brewing Co. as Official Craft Beer
- Knoxville Smokies Announce 92.5 WKCE as Official Radio Home
- Knoxville Smokies Announce 2025 Opening Day Roster

