Smokies drop home opener, 4-1
Published on April 9, 2008 under Southern League (SL1)
Knoxville Smokies News Release
Sevierville, TN - A brand new scoreboard and the 2008 home opener at Smokies Park were not enough to push the Tennessee Smokies to victory as they dropped a 4-1 decision to the Jacksonville Suns. A lively crowd of 2,475 witnessed the Smokies commit three errors, one of which led to a three run seventh inning.
Starting pitcher Justin Berg (0-2) pitched very well through six innings, giving up only one run prior to the sixth off a Lucas May homerun for the Suns. The seventh inning proved to be the Smokies downfall, as the Suns plated three runs to take a 4-0 lead. After Berg struck out Jamie Hoffman, he walked Juan Gonzalez. Rocky Roquet entered the game. With two men on, James Tomlin doubled down the right field line to score the runner. Gonzalez then came around to score on an errant throw by Matt Camp, with Tomlin scoring on a throwing error by Roquet.
The Smokies bats were mostly silent tonight, plating only one run in the bottom of the ninth after Kyle Reynolds scored off an RBI single by Chris Robinson. Jacksonville utilized four pitchers who combined to limit the Smokies to just four hits. Eduardo Sierra (3-0) got the win for the visiting Suns.
The Smokies continue their opening homestand against the Jacksonville Suns on Thursday night beginning at 7:15 pm. Right-hander Mitch Atkins (0-0, 2.25) will take the mound for the Smokies to face off against Suns left-hander Clayton Kershaw (0-1, 3.00).
Southern League Stories from April 9, 2008
- Mudcats thrash Biscuits, 7-1 - Montgomery Biscuits
- BayBears at .500 After Third Straight "W" - Mobile BayBears
- West Tenn over Huntsville, 9-6 - Jackson Generals
- West Tenn over Huntsville, 9-6 - Jackson Generals
- Braves Fall in Home Opener - Mississippi Braves
- Stars Fall For First Time - Huntsville Stars
- Smokies drop home opener, 4-1 - Knoxville Smokies
- Suns Shutdown Tennessee Offense in Wednesday Victory - Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp
- Barons Blank Lookouts, 4-0 - Chattanooga Lookouts
- Diamond Jaxx Return Home To Pringles Park - Jackson Generals
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