Smokies Blast Their Way Past the Stars
July 17, 2014 - Southern League (SL1)
Huntsville Stars News Release
Huntsville, AL - The Tennessee Smokies came back from a 1-0 deficit on the strength of three homeruns leading them past the Huntsville Stars 4-1 Thursday night at Joe Davis Stadium in Huntsville.
The Stars scored a first inning run with two outs against Tennessee starter Corey Black(5-6). With Josh Prince at second base, Robinson Diaz scored him on an rbi single into centerfield giving the Stars a 1-0 lead.
Huntsville starter Jacob Barnes did not allow a hit in any of the first three innings. In the fourth inning though with one out, Addison Russell hit a solo homerun to left field tying the game at 1-1.
Tennessee took the lead in the top of the sixth. With two outs, Russell singled. Jorge Soler blasted a two-run bomb to left field, his sixth of the season and the Smokies took a 3-1 lead.
Barnes(2-4), who took the loss went seven innings allowing four hits on three runs. He walked two and struck out two.
The Smokies got a key insurance run in the top of the ninth. With two outs, Christian Villanueva hit a solo homerun to left against Tommy Toledo. The Smokies took a 4-1 lead after their third homerun of the game.
The Stars threatened in the bottom of the ninth. Nick Ramirez struck out swinging but advanced to first base on a dropped third strie by catcher Luis Flores.
Frank Batista was then summoned out of the Smokies bullpen. After Diaz flew out to left field, Greg Hopkins drew a walk.
With the tying runner at the plate, Erik Komatsu drilled a ball down to first base. Dustin Geiger fielded the ball and started a game ending 3-6-3 double play.
Batista earned his fifth save of the season.
Black earned the win as the Smokies starter turned in an impressive six inning performance. He limited the Stars to four hits and struck out eight.
The Stars(13-13, 59-38) and the Tennessee Smokies(14-13, 47-49) are even now at 1-1 in their five game series. Game three will be Friday. The Stars will have LHP Jed Bradley (2-4, 4.85) on the mound. Tennessee will feature RHP Pierce Johnson(2-3, 3.74). The game can be heard with Steve Jarnicki starting at 6:15 pm CDT on 92.9 FM, 1450 AM and wtkiradio.com.
Southern League Stories from July 17, 2014
- Wahoos Swept by Suns in Doubleheader, 2-0, 4-2 - Pensacola Blue Wahoos
- Curley's Late RBI Lifts Barons over M-Braves - Birmingham Barons
- Wahoos Swept by Suns in Doubleheader, 2-0, 4-2 - Pensacola Blue Wahoos
- Suns Sweep Wahoos 2-0, 4-2 in Thursday's Twinbill - Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp
- Smokies Blast Their Way Past the Stars - Huntsville Stars
- Three Home Runs Power Smokies to 4-1 Win - Knoxville Smokies
- Pensacola Blue Wahoos Homestand Highlights: July 21st - July 25th - Pensacola Blue Wahoos
- INF Dan Black Promoted to Charlotte - Birmingham Barons
- M-Braves Pound Pen in Win over Barons - Mississippi Braves
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