Late-Inning Rally Not Enough for the Smokies Wednesday
Published on August 12, 2009 under Southern League (SL1)
Knoxville Smokies News Release
SEVIERVILLE, Tenn. - A late-inning flurry of offense Wednesday night by the Tennessee Smokies proved to be too little, too late as they fell to the Jacksonville Suns, 4-3. The loss, in front of 2,053 at Smokies Park, puts the Smokies at 23-24 for the second half, three games off the division lead.
Florida Marlins pitcher Anibal Sanchez got the nod for Jacksonville in a rehab start Wednesday and did not disappoint for the Suns. Sanchez (1-0) consistently topped out in the mid-90s for much of his seven-inning stint, holding the Smokies to a single run on four hits, walking two and striking out three.
Tennessee starter Jeremy Papelbon did not fare as well. Facing Ryan Klosterman with one out in the top of the first, Klosterman took Papelbon deep to put the Suns up 1-0. A second home run given up by Papelbon to Matt Dominguez scored two and increased the Suns' lead to 3-0.
The Smokies offense responded with a run in the bottom of the fourth to cut Jacksonville's lead to 3-1. With the bases loaded and two out, Sanchez walked Tennessee's Starlin Castro to bring home Blake Lalli. Papelbon would then strike out swinging though to end the rally.
A solo shot by Jacksonville's Chris De La Cruz off Smokies reliever Jake Muyco increased the Suns' lead to 4-1 in the seventh.
Down to their final three outs heading into the ninth, the Smokies would rally against Suns reliever Matt Peterson and his 27 saves. A Doug Deeds ground-rule double to left-center put runners on second and third with no out. Tyler Colvin pinch-hit for reliever Dustin Sasser and hit what looked like a two-run hit down the left-field line. The ball landed just foul and Colvin would then fly out.
Still clinging to hope, Welington Castillo's groundout brought home Lalli from third to cut the Suns' lead to 4-2. Castro then singled home Deeds from third to bring the Smokies to within 4-3. Ty Wright couldn't capitalize though as he grounded out against Peterson (S, 28) to end the game.
Papelbon took the loss Wednesday night to fall to 4-5 on the year. He allowed three runs on four hits in six innings of work, striking out three and walking one.
The Smokies and Suns continue their five-game series Thursday night at Smokies Park. The Suns' Nic Ungs (7-2, 2.28) will square off against the Smokies' Andrew Cashner (2-2, 3.09). Tickets can be purchased at www.smokiesbaseball.com, by calling (865) 286-2300 or at the stadium box office.
Southern League Stories from August 12, 2009
- Four run sixth dooms Jaxx on Wednesday - Jackson Generals
- Stars Steal Game One with Late-Inning Scoring - Mobile BayBears
- Birmingham Bats Around Cats - Carolina Mudcats
- Late Offense Carries Stars to Win - Huntsville Stars
- Biscuits Roll to 4-1 Win Over Braves in Opener - Montgomery Biscuits
- Late-Inning Rally Not Enough for the Smokies Wednesday - Knoxville Smokies
- Suns Power to Wednesday Win - Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp
- Schlereth Back to Big Leagues - Mobile BayBears
- Valiquette Activated - Carolina Mudcats
- Whitney Duncan to Sing National Anthem at Trustmark Park - Mississippi Braves
- Catch the Last Thirsty Thursday of 2009! - Montgomery Biscuits
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.
