Klassen Fans Nine, But Trash Pandas Fall, 7-1
SL Rocket City Trash Pandas

Klassen Fans Nine, But Trash Pandas Fall, 7-1

Published on August 29, 2025 under Southern League (SL)
Rocket City Trash Pandas News Release


MADISON, Ala. - The Rocket City Trash Pandas (18-37, 42-81) dropped their second straight to the Columbus Clingstones (28-27, 54-67) on Friday night at Toyota Field, falling 7-1 as the series evened at two games apiece.

George Klassen turned in a strong start in his 22nd outing of the season. The Futures Game participant struck out nine-tying his season high-while allowing just one run on four hits across 5.0 innings. He now ranks seventh in the Southern League with 111 strikeouts.

Korey Holland gave Rocket City an early 1-0 lead with his second homer of the series in the second inning. Columbus answered in the fourth on a two-out solo shot from EJ Exposito, the only blemish against Klassen.

The game turned when the Clingstones broke through against the Trash Pandas' bullpen. Kenyon Yovan (L, 0-2) surrendered a two-run double to former Angels infielder David Fletcher in the sixth. In the seventh, Columbus sent eight men to the plate, pushing across four runs-highlighted by an Ethan Workinger triple and RBI knock from Exposito-along with a pair of Rocket City miscues that stretched the deficit to 7-1.

Sam Ryan and Roman Phansalkar combined for 2.1 scoreless innings to finish the night. Overall, Rocket City pitchers racked up 16 strikeouts, just one shy of a season high.

On the other side, Landon Harper (W, 4-7) shut down the Trash Pandas for the second time this month, tossing 7.0 innings of one-run ball. Over two August starts vs. Rocket City, Harper has allowed just one run across 14.0 innings. Fletcher and Exposito led the Columbus attack with two hits apiece.

The Trash Pandas host Columbus again on Saturday night for game five of the six-game series at Toyota Field. The first pitch is scheduled for 6:35 pm with LHP Sam Aldegheri (4-11, 6.09) starting for the Trash Pandas, and RHP Brett Sears (6-4, 3.77) going for Columbus. Fans can watch on WAAY-TV "MORE" 31.6, Bally Sports Live, and MiLB.tv, or listen on Talk Radio WZZN 97.7 HD-2.

Saturday, August 30 | First Pitch: 6:35 pm | Gates Open: 5:30 pm | Trustmark VIP Gates: 5:00 pm

Saturday Night Fireworks: For the second consecutive night, Fireworks will lift off from Toyota Field, presented by Boeing.

Tickets are available starting at just $8 for general admission and $16 for field-level seats. They can be purchased online at tptix.com. Fans can also purchase tickets in person during regular business hours at the Wicks Family Foundation Box Office or by calling 256-325-1403, option 1. Fans can book their group outings for the 2025 season by visiting trashpandasgroups.com or calling the Group Sales Department directly at (256) 325-1403, option 2.

Check out the Rocket City Trash Pandas Statistics

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Southern League Stories from August 29, 2025


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