Samardzija Delivers in 6-2 Win
August 6, 2007 - Southern League (SL1)
Knoxville Smokies News Release
Sevierville, TN - Jeff Samardzija made his Double-A debut at Smokies Park, throwing six strong innings in leading the Smokies to a 6-2 win over the visiting Montgomery Biscuits. An enthusiastic crowd of 3,628, many wearing Notre Dame blue and gold Samardzija jerseys, watched on as the Smokies improved to 23-22 for the second half of the season.
Samardzija (1-0) looked to be everything you would expect from a Cubs top prospect, mowing down two Biscuit batters and keeping the rest guessing. He worked through six innings, keeping his pitch count low and benefiting from some great defense behind him.
He allowed just one run while on the mound in the second inning, and worked his way through several jams. He struck out the last batter he faced in the sixth, pumping his fist as he strode off the mound into the dugout.
The Smokies offense got going early on to aid Samardzija in his quest for his first win at Smokies Park. Jemel Spearman led off the game with a triple off the right-center field wall.
After an Issmael Salas walk, Casey McGehee hit a high chopper to third base for an out, but it was enough to bring Spearman home. Chris Robinson later singled in another run to score Salas, and Tennessee had an early 2-0 lead.
Tennessee plated an additional two runs in the bottom of the third, and another run in the fourth to further aid Samardzija. Kyle Reynolds, who went 2 for 5 on the night, ripped an RBI single in the third. Robinson followed up with a fielder's choice groundout to score McGehee for his second RBI of the night.
Despite an Erold Andrus home run in the seventh inning, the Biscuits could never mount an offensive attack against the Smokies pitching tonight. Mark Holliman came on in his first relief appearance of the season to pitch 1 2/3 innings, and Rocky Roquet put out the final batter for his fifth save of the season.
The night belonged to Samardzija however, who was very sharp in his Double-A debut. His final line was six innings pitched, yielding six hits, one earned run, two walks, and fanning two Biscuits batters. Jon Barratt (3-9) took the loss for Montgomery after four innings of work.
The Smokies will have a day off on Tuesday, and then return to Smokies Park to begin a five-game set against the West Tennessee Diamond Jaxx on Wednesday night. Tennessee will send right-hander Mitch Atkins (0-1, 27.00) to the mound for his first Smokies Park scheduled start to face Diamond Jaxx right-hander Travis Chick (4-4, 3.80).
Tennessee Smokies Baseball - It's A Nine Inning Vacation! Call (865) 286-2300 for tickets or purchase tickets on line at www.smokiesbaseball.com.
Southern League Stories from August 6, 2007
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- BayBears Lose Close One, 9-8 - Mobile BayBears
- Mudcats Rally Falls Short - Carolina Mudcats
- Hammond Handles Bat, Hurls Stars to Victory - Huntsville Stars
- Stars Hand Braves Fifth Straight Loss - Mississippi Braves
- Samardzija Delivers in 6-2 Win - Knoxville Smokies
- Lookouts Outshine Suns, Take Series - Chattanooga Lookouts
- Lookouts Take Series Finale - Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp
- Jimerson Named TOPPS SL Player Of The Month - Jackson Generals
- Hallmark Channel to Tape Show at Hank Aaron Stadium - Mobile BayBears
- Southern League Hitter and Pitcher of the Week Awards - SL1
- Samardzija to start for Smokies tonight - Knoxville Smokies
- Biscuits outslug Smokies, 11-8 - Montgomery Biscuits
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