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SL1 Knoxville Smokies

Smokies Blank Biscuits 4-0 to Snap Three-Game Skid

May 11, 2015 - Southern League (SL1)
Knoxville Smokies News Release


KODAK - Smokies southpaw starter Jeffry Antigua joined forces with relievers Michael Jensen and P.J. Francescon for the club's third shutout of 2015, while first baseman Daniel Vogelbach and designated hitter Willson Contreras hit back-to-back solo homers, as Tennessee blanked the Biscuits 4-0 on Monday evening at Smokies Stadium.

The series-opening victory snaps the Smokies' three-game losing skid and improves their record to 16-14 in 2015. Montgomery, meanwhile, dropped their overall mark to 14-17 with their fourth consecutive loss.

Antigua (5.0 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 3 SO) kept Biscuits batters at bay with his five scoreless frames, scattering two hits to earn his first victory of the season. The bullpen duo of Jensen (2.0 IP, 2 H, 3 SO) and Francescon (2.0 IP, 1 H, 2 SO) then went the rest of the way for Tennessee, each firing two quiet frames. Jensen recorded his second hold of the season, while Francescon notched his team-leading fourth save.

The Smokies got the only run they would need in the opening frame thanks to small ball. CF Albert Almora Jr. drew a one-out walk, and then moved all the way to third on a Biscuits error, before coming across via C Kyle Schwarber's RBI groundout to push Tennessee ahead 1-0.

That margin would eventually double to two in the sixth thanks to clutch hitting. After Contreras reached on a fielder's choice, SS Elliot Soto slapped a two-out single through the hole between shortstop and third to extend the frame and send up 2B Stephen Bruno. The 24-year-old subsequently laced an opposite field line drive single into right-center to plate Contreras and increase the advantage to 2-0.

Once again the Smokies would multiply their lead by two, this time two frames later courtesy of the longballs. Vogelbach started the slugging with a solo shot to right-center, his fourth of the season to move Tennessee ahead 3-0. The three-run cushion was very brief, however, with Contreras crushing the very next pitch to left to put the Smokies up 4-0.

Montgomery put at least one runner on base in every inning throughout the evening, yet they were unable to bring home a home, combining to go 0-for-9 with runners in scoring position. The biggest Biscuits threats came in the sixth and seventh frames, with DH Richie Shaffer leading off the former, stealing second and then moving to third on wild pitch. Jensen, however, would go on to strikeout the side in order to qualm the potential peril. RF Joey Rickard reached with a one-out single in the seventh, swiped second and then advanced to third on a groundout, yet was left stranded at third via a groundout.

Bruno (2-4, 1 RBI) was the lone Smokies hitter to record a multi-hit effort in the victory, though Soto (1-2, 1 R, 1 RBI, 2 BB) did reach base in three of four plate appearances, while Shaffer (2-3, 1 BB) was the only Biscuits batter to accomplish that feat. Tennessee's two big flies came after the club failed to record a longball in their six-game series in Pensacola, which had marked the first time since August 2013 the team had failed to leave the yard in a series.

The shutout was also Tennessee's third of the season, including their second this month. Smokies pitchers came into this evening's game tied for first in the Southern League with a 2.86 ERA in the month of May, and now pace the circuit with that earned-run average dipping to 2.60 (28 ER in 97.0 IP) over 11 contests.

The Smokies and Biscuits will now face off in a day-night doubleheader tomorrow, as part of a tribute to the late Cubs legend, "Mr. Cub" Ernie Banks. The day's first game is scheduled for a 11:30 a.m. as part of a Smokies Safety Day, with children from all over East Tennessee converging on Smokies Stadium and taking in a fun program designed to promote a safe and healthy lifestyle.

The twinbill's nightcap is set for a 7:05 p.m. first pitch, with the first 1,000 fans receiving an Ernie Banks T-Shirt, while the club will also attempt to set a single-day Smokies Stadium attendance record. Former Vols quarterbacks Sterling Hinton and Tony Robinson will also be on hand to sign autographs and throw first pitches, while there will also be several concessions specials. In addition, Tuesday night is also a Nexgard-Heartgard Tail Waggin' Tuesday, with fans able to bring their dogs out to the ballgame and sit out on the berm and enjoy a lovely night of baseball.

Both games are scheduled to last nine innings, with a separate ticket required for each contest. Fans looking to attend the first game at 11:30 a.m. will not be able to purchase tickets online, and must buy them at the Smokies Ticket Office prior ot the game.

Tennessee is expected to give the nod to RHP Frank Batista (3-0, 1.19) in game one tomorrow, while Montgomery has not yet officially announced their starter. RHP Corey Black (1-1, 3.82) is then slated to take the mound in the nightcap of the doubleheader, with the Biscuits set to send LHP Blake Snell (1-0, 0.00) to the bump.

Tickets for tomorrow's contests, and all other remaining Smokies home games are still available, and can be purchased online at smokiesbaseball.com, or by calling the Smokies Ticket Office at (865) 286-2300.

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