Early Runs, Assad's Quality Outing Lifts Smokies Past Biloxi, 5-3

June 11, 2022 - Southern League (SL)
Knoxville Smokies News Release

Biloxi, Miss. - The Tennessee Smokies (32-24) took an early lead and never looked back as they took the fifth game of their series with the Biloxi Shuckers (25-29) 5-3 Saturday night at MGM Park in Biloxi, Mississippi.

Tennessee jumped on the board in the top of the first inning, scoring three times against Nick Bennett (L, 2-5). Jake Slaughter, Alexander Canario and Cam Balego all drove in runs to start the game. Slaughter and Canario continued to roll, as they went back-to-back with solo homers in the top of the sixth. Slaughter's home run was his fourth in seven games in Double-A, and Canario finished 4-for-4 and a double shy of the cycle.

Javier Assad (W, 3-1) turned in a quality start when the Smokies needed it most. The Smokies' ace fired five innings of two-run ball, working around five walks to keep Tennessee's lead. Blake Whitney was impressive out of the bullpen, as he worked three innings and allowed just one run. Samuel Reyes earned his first save of the season to close out the game.

The Smokies will play their series finale the Shuckers Sunday night at MGM Park in Biloxi, Mississippi. First pitch is set for 6:05 p.m. ET when the Smokies send RHP Chris Clarke (2-2, 6.35) to the mound against RHP T.J. Shook (1-0, 6.39) in a game one rematch. Fans can listen to the action on 99.1 The Sports Animal or by visiting https://www.milb.com/tennessee/fans/audio-listen-live.

Smokies Stadium will host Hope at Bat Night and Henry Rowengartner Night on their next homestand, starting June 21. For tickets, fans can call the box office at (865) 286-2300 or visit smokiesbaseball.com.

Southern League Stories from June 11, 2022

• Pair of Innings Too Much for Shuckers to Overcome Against Smokies - Biloxi Shuckers
• Alexander Hits Two Doubles, M-Braves Fall to Trash Pandas 8-0 - Mississippi Braves
• Lookouts Prevent Comeback, Prevail 9-7 - Montgomery Biscuits
• Birmingham's Late Rally Earned Them a Comeback Victory - Birmingham Barons
• Crow, Homers Bash Trash Pandas to 8-0 Victory - Rocket City Trash Pandas
• Early Runs, Assad's Quality Outing Lifts Smokies Past Biloxi, 5-3 - Knoxville Smokies
• Lindgren Shines, But Bullpen Falters in 5-1 Loss - Pensacola Blue Wahoos
• Barons Surrender Large Lead in 9-8 Loss to Blue Wahoos - Birmingham Barons
• Witherspoon Walks-Off Lookouts, 1-0 - Montgomery Biscuits

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