Smokies' Early Blast Sinks Trash Pandas in Road Finale, 3-1
SL Rocket City Trash Pandas

Smokies' Early Blast Sinks Trash Pandas in Road Finale, 3-1

Published on September 7, 2025 under Southern League (SL)
Rocket City Trash Pandas News Release


KNOXVILLE, Tenn. - The Rocket City Trash Pandas (20-43, 44-87) wrapped up their 2025 road schedule with a 3-1 loss to the Knoxville Smokies (32-29, 65-65) on Sunday afternoon at Covenant Health Park. After taking Tuesday's opener 1-0, the Trash Pandas dropped the final five games of the series to finish 21-47 away from Toyota Field.

All of Knoxville's offense came in the first inning. Pedro Ramirez singled with one out, BJ Murray doubled, and Pablo Aliendo followed with a three-run homer to right off Rocket City starter Walbert Ureña (L, 4-9). That would be the only damage against Ureña, who made a franchise-record 26th start of the year, his second of the week and sixth against Knoxville. The 21-year-old Angels prospect allowed three runs on six hits with no walks and six strikeouts over 5.0 innings.

Smokies starter Yenrri Rojas impressed in his Double-A debut, retiring the first nine batters he faced. In the fourth, he issued walks to Ben Gobbel and Ryan Nicholson before David Calabrese drove in Gobbel with an RBI single to right, trimming the deficit to 3-1.

Despite putting a runner on base in eight of nine innings, Rocket City couldn't capitalize, finishing 1-for-7 with runners in scoring position while stranding seven runners against six Smokies pitchers. Nick Hull (W, 1-2) earned the win with a scoreless fifth, and Tyler Santana (S, 5) locked down the save in the ninth.

Sam Ryan rebounded from a blown save earlier in the week with 3.0 hitless innings in relief, striking out three with one walk. Offensively, Oscar Colás went 1-for-3 with a walk to extend his hitting streak to six games.

The Trash Pandas now return to Toyota Field for their final homestand of the 2025 season, beginning Tuesday at 6:35 pm. Neither team has announced a starting pitcher for the series opener. Fans can watch on WAAY-TV "MORE" 31.6, Bally Sports Live, MiLB.tv, or listen on Talk Radio WZZN 97.7 HD-2.

UPCOMING PROMOTIONS:

Tuesday, September 9 | First Pitch: 6:35 pm | Gates Open: 5:30 pm | Trustmark VIP Gates: 5:00 pm

Glow-In-The-Dark T-shirt Giveaway: The first 1,000 fans ages 17 & under will take home a Glow-In-The-Dark Youth T-Shirt on STEM Night, presented by Miltope!

Reeds Jewelers Ladies Night: Ladies in attendance can enter to win prizes all game long at the Sun Cruiser Guest Services booth behind Section 5. Additionally, select wine will be available for $5 for all fans 21 and older.

Tickets are available starting at just $8 for general admission and $16 for field-level seats. They can be purchased online at tptix.com. Fans can also purchase tickets in person during regular business hours at the Wicks Family Foundation Box Office or by calling 256-325-1403, option 1. Fans can book their group outings for the 2025 season by visiting trashpandasgroups.com or calling the Group Sales Department directly at (256) 325-1403, option 2.

Check out the Rocket City Trash Pandas Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Southern League Stories from September 7, 2025


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central