SL1 Knoxville Smokies

Samardzija Leads Tennessee over Chattanooga

Published on May 5, 2008 under Southern League (SL1)
Knoxville Smokies News Release


Chattanooga, TN -Jeff Samardzija (3-2) pitched a solid 5 2/3 innings, he also doubled and scored in leading Tennessee, (12-19) to a series opening victory over Chattanooga (17-14) Monday Night at AT&T Field in front of 2,143. The Smokies bats strung to action in a five-run fourth inning on route to a 6-1 win. Chris Robinson lined a two-run homerun over the right field fence scoring Kyle Reynolds who singled to start the inning. Tennessee already ahead 2-0 Samardzija rolled a double past the first baseman and then moved to third on Matt Camp single. Nate Spears would drive home Samardzija by doubling off the right field wall. The hit placed runners on second and third base and extended his team high hit streak to seven games. Tyler Colvin then singled in both runners and the Smokies were ahead to stay. Samardzija coasted after walking two in the second inning. He allowed just one run on four hits with five strikeouts and two walks.

Ed Campusano then relieved Samardzija and didn't yield a run in his 1 1/3 innings on the mound.

Jesse Estrada pitched the eighth inning and retired two of the first three batters he would face. Eric Eymann singled with one down and moved to second on a groundout. Former Smokies infielder Jerry Gil then lined a come backer off the right side of Estrada's head, which was caught in the air by the second baseman Nate Spears. Estrada was knocked down for about ten minutes but walked off the field to the club house under his own power. He was taken to Erlanger General Hospital in Chattanooga to under go further test but left the Smokies clubhouse with normal his normal mental capacities. Tennessee would add an unearned run in the ninth inning and won their first series opening game in seven tries.

The Smokies continue the series Tuesday Night as they southpaw Donnie Veal (2-0), while Chattanooga counters with Ramon Ramirez (1-1).Tennessee returns to Smokies Park on Saturday, May 10, to face the Huntsville Stars. Tickets can be purchased by calling the box office at (865) 286-2300 or online at www.smokiesbaseball.com.

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Southern League Stories from May 5, 2008


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