SL1 Knoxville Smokies

Smokies Can't Shut The Door

Published on May 22, 2003 under Southern League (SL1)
Knoxville Smokies News Release


Sevierville, Tenn. - The Tennessee Smokies (26-20) surrendered three runs in the ninth inning to give the Birmingham Barons (24-20) a 5-4 victory Thursday evening.

Tennessee began the game with great pitching from Josh Pearce (0-0) who allowed only 2 runs to score in his second start for the Smokies. A two-run home run in the 5th inning from Caonabo Cosme put the Smokies up 4-0, which seemed to be a big enough cushion at the time. Cosme continued his five game hitting streak and ended up going 2 for 2, including his league leading 20th double of the season.

Pearce gave way to the bullpen in the 8th to hold his lead. Les Walrond pitched a perfect inning and then into the ninth when Ryan Hankins started the rally with a solo shot off the reliever. Juan Figueroa (L, 4-1) entered to finish the game off with two outs remaining, only to surrender a two-run blast to Gabe Alvarez to give the Barons the lead for good. Alvarez finished with 3 hits, including 3 RBI. For the 4th consecutive time in the series, Birmingham out hit the Smokies, a big reason the Barons took 3 out of 4 games at Smokies Park.

The Smokies travel to Chattanooga to face the Lookouts in a four game series beginning at 7:15 pm. Tennessee sends Rhett Parrott (2-4) to the mound to face John Koronka (4-3).

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Southern League Stories from May 22, 2003


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