SL1 Knoxville Smokies

Smokies Drop Out of First with 9-5 Loss

Published on August 25, 2003 under Southern League (SL1)
Knoxville Smokies News Release


Zebulon, NC - In a battle between division leaders, Carolina broke open a tight game with a 5-run third inning and held off Tennessee for a 9-5 win the first of a four game series Monday night at Five County Stadium. The loss pushed the Smokies out of first place for the first time in the second half and extended their losing streak to four games, their longest of the half.

Carolina's game breaking third inning was highlighted by a controversial three-run home run from Billy Hall. Already leading 5-1, Billy Hall lofted a high fly ball over the right field foul pole. After watching the ball clear the fence in foul territory, Hall turned towards the batters box to continue his at-bat, only to see home plate umpire Andy Roberts signal a home run. It was Hall's third homer of the season, with all three coming against Tennessee.

Mired in their longest losing streak since an 8-game skid at the end of the season's first half and trailing 8-1 in the 6th, the Smokies fought back, pushing two runs across on Bucky Jacobsen's league best 30th homer of the season. Carolina got a run back in the home half of the inning, but Tennessee threatened again in the 8th.

John Nelson and Papo Bolivar chased starter Todd Moser (W, 5-4) from the game with consecutive one-out singles, but reliever Sean Fesh walked Jacobsen to load the bases. Yadier Molina drove home Nelson with a single, and after a strikeout by Caonabo Cosme, Shaun Boyd reached on an error to score Bolivar, and bring the tying run to the plate. Corey Erickson's line drive was handled by Drew Niles at third, and the Smokies final threat was over.

Pat Collins (L, 1-2) was touched for eight runs - seven earned - over three innings to take the loss.

Prior to the game Tennessee received reliever Jeremy Lambert from Triple A Memphis to fill an open spot on the roster. Lambert pitched a perfect 7th in his return to the Smokies.

The Smokies return home for a season ending four game series beginning Friday at Smokies Park. The Carolina series continues Tuesday at 7:15 p.m. with Josh Axelson (3-2, 2.27) facing Donnie Bridges (10-1, 2.59).

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Southern League Stories from August 25, 2003


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