Smokies Burn out Stars 11-4
Published on August 8, 2011 under Southern League (SL1)
Knoxville Smokies News Release
Huntsville, AL - A seven-run fifth inning sparked the Smokies offense, and Tennessee cruised to an 11-4 victory over the Stars on Sunday night at Joe Davis Stadium. The win improves the Smokies to 23-20 in the second half and 66-47 overall.
After being retired in order over the first two innings by RHP Kyle Heckathorn (0-3), the Smokies jumped out in front in the third inning, as David Macias was driven home on an RBI double from Jim Adduci to put the Smokies ahead 1-0. Adduci would come around to score as well, as the next batter, Jae-Hoon Ha ripped an RBI double into right field to give Tennessee a 2-0 advantage. However, the Stars answered back in the bottom of the third with two runs on four hits off RHP Trey McNutt, and at the end of three innings, the game was tied at 2-2. In the top of the fourth, Blake Lalli led off the frame with a solo home run to put the Smokies back in front, 3-2. It was the fourth homer of the year for Lalli against the Stars.
In the fifth inning, the Smokies batted around and sent 12 men to the plate against Heckathorn and RHP RJ Seidell. Overall, Tennessee plated seven runs on five hits in the fifth, highlighted by a two-run single off the bat of Junior Lake, allowing the Smokies to go up 9-2. Tennessee would get one final run in the sixth inning as Josh Vitters tripled with one out and scored on an RBI groundout by Lalli, putting the Smokies on top 11-2.
The Stars came back to plate two runs in the eighth off LHP Brent Ebinger, but that's as close as they'd get. RHP Oswaldo Matrinez got Steffen Wilson to pop out in foul ground in the bottom of the ninth to end the game. RHP Jeff Stevens (3-0) picked up the win for Tennessee, as he pitched two scoreless innings and struck out four batters.
The Smokies and Stars play the fourth game of their series Monday at 7:15 PM. RHP Austin Bibens-Dirkx (1-2, 6.98) makes the start for the Smokies, while Huntsville counters with RHP Michael Bowman (3-9, 5.06). The Smokies return home to start a five game series against the Jacksonville Suns on Wednesday, August 10, at 7:15 PM. Tickets can be purchased at www.smokiesbaseball.com or by calling (865) 286-2300.
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- Smokies Burn out Stars 11-4 - Knoxville Smokies
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