Smokies Clip Stars on Thursday Night
June 2, 2011 - Southern League (SL1)
Knoxville Smokies News Release
Huntsville, AL- Blake Lalli's RBI single in the seventh proved to be the difference, as the Tennessee Smokies held on to defeat the Huntsville Stars 3-2 on Thursday night at Joe Davis Stadium. With the victory, the Smokies improve to 34-19 while the Stars drop to 27-25 on the season.
Huntsville took an early 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning. With two outs, RHP Trey McNutt walked Erik Komatsu and later advanced to second base on a wild pitch. Sean Halton then singled on a groundball to center field, scoring Komatsu from second.
In the bottom of the second inning the Stars added to their lead. Zelous Wheeler led off the frame with a double to right field. Wheeler advanced to third base on the next at-bat when Martin Maldonado grounded out softly to third. With one out, Hainley Statia hit a sacrifice fly to center field, scoring Wheeler and giving Huntsville a 2-0 lead.
The Smokies were able to get a run back in the top of the third inning. Nelson Perez led off the inning with a single to centerfield and Marwin Gonzaelz followed up with a walk, putting runners on first and second with no outs. Both runners advanced on a sacrifice bunt attempt by Nicholas Struck. After a walk to Brett Jackson to load the bases, Junior Lake's ground out brought in Perez to cut the Stars lead to 2-1.
Tennessee was able to add another run in the top of the fourth inning to tie the game. After Steve Clevenger popped out to third base, Rebel Ridling walked to put a runner on first base with one out. In the next at-bat, Perez tripled down the left field line, scoring Ridling and tying the game at 2-2.
The Smokies broke the tie and took the lead in the top of the seventh inning. Perez led off the inning with a single to left field. Gonzalez then laid down a sacrifice bunt to the pitcher, advancing Perez to second base with only one out. Blake Lalli pinch-hit for RHP Ty'Relle Harris and singled to centerfield, scoring Perez and taking a 3-2 lead. Harris, Jeff Beliveau, Kevin Rhoderick and Rafael Dolis combined to pitch seven shut out innings in relief, with Dolis recording his fifth save of the year.
Tennessee looks to take four games in a row against Huntsville Friday night at 7:43 PM. RHP Robert Coello will make his debut for the Smokies after being called down from the Iowa Cubs. The Stars will call on RHP Cody Scarpetta (1-2, 3.91 ERA) in the final game of the series. The Smokies return home for a five game series against the Jackson Generals beginning Saturday, June 4th at 6:15. Tickets can be purchased at www.smokiesbaseball.com or by calling (865) 286-2300 .
Southern League Stories from June 2, 2011
- Generals Win Series and Boast Best Record of Season - Jackson Generals
- BayBears Stayed Tied for First, Win Fourth Straight - Mobile BayBears
- Stars Can't Hold Early Lead; Drop Series Versus Smokies With 3-2 Loss - Huntsville Stars
- M-Braves Come up Short as BayBears Take Game Four, 4-2 - Mississippi Braves
- Smokies Clip Stars on Thursday Night - Knoxville Smokies
- Suns Lead Early, Hold on to Top Mudcats - Carolina Mudcats
- Homers Power Suns to 4-3 Victory - Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp
- IF Miguel Rojas Heads to DL - Carolina Mudcats
- Madden to Disabled List - Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp
- Homestand Highlights - Chattanooga Lookouts
- First-Place BayBears Head Home Saturday Night - Mobile BayBears
- Andrelczyk to Triple-A New Orleans - Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp
- Generals Update - Jackson Generals
- Whittier College Professor Joseph Price to Sing Anthem at Huntsville Tonight - Huntsville Stars
- BayBears Rock Braves for Third Straight Victory - Mobile BayBears
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