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SL1 Knoxville Smokies

Erickson Powers Smokies Past Suns

August 31, 2003 - Southern League (SL1)
Knoxville Smokies News Release


Sevierville, Tenn. -Corey Erickson hit a grand slam in the eighth inning as Tennessee came from three runs down to defeat Jacksonville Sunday night by the score of 8-4. 3,506 fans witnessed the game at Smokies Park but not until after a rain delay that elapsed well over two hours. The Smokies have a ½ game lead on Carolina with one day remaining in the season. Carolina has two games remaning, however, with a double header beginning Monday morning at Orlando.

In the eighth, the Smokies made things interesting when Kevan Burns tripled, scoring Shaun Boyd and chasing starter John Pilkington. Nelson then singled in Burns off reliever Brian Steffek (L, 1-5) to make the score 4-3. After the Smokies loaded the bases on a walk to Bucky Jacobsen, Yadier Molina reached on a four pitch walk to force in the tying run. Two batters later, Erickson blasted a 3-2 pitch over the left center field wall, capping the scoring on his 15th home run.

The Suns got off to an early lead following a two hour and thirty two minute rain delay. Brennan King hit a blast in the first inning off Tennessee starter Josh Axelson. Reggie Abercrombie added a two run shot of his own in the third inning and Jacksonville was quickly up 3-0.

Tennessee struggled to get much offense going off Jacksonville starter Brian Pilkington early and only managed one run in the third, capitalizing on an error by catcher Brandon Rogers scoring Corey Erickson on the play.

Jacksonville added what was thought to be an insurance run off Smokies reliever John Novinsky (W, 2-0) in the seventh. Nick Theodorou drove in Pilkington with a single to put the Suns up 4-1.

Jeremy Lambert shut the Suns down in the ninth inning in a no-save situation.

Tennessee concludes the regular season Monday afternoon at Smokies Park. Game time is set for 1 pm. The Smokies will send Chris Narveson(4-2, 3.06) to the hill against Edwin Jackson(7-7, 3.70). Carolina will play a doubleheader in Orlando tomorrow. If Tennessee wins tomorrow, Carolina will need to sweep the doubleheader to win the division. Regardless of the outcomes, Tennessee will play at Carolina Wednesday night in game one of a best of five playoff series. Tennessee will host game three on Friday night at 7:15.

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