Smokies End Skid, Top Mudcats 7-4
August 26, 2003 - Southern League (SL1)
Knoxville Smokies News Release
Zebulon, NC - Tennessee (34-29, 69-64) snapped a four game losing streak and pulled even with Carolina in the Eastern Division race with a 7-4 win at Five County Stadium. The Smokies hold a 3 ½ game wild card lead with six games remaining and are tied with the Mudcats, who have 9 games left.
The Smokies led from the outset, pushing a run across in the opening inning when Papo Bolivar scored from first on a bloop single from Bucky Jacobsen. Tennessee took control against Donnie Bridges (L, 10-2) with a four run third, highlighted by Bolivar's two-run double and a two-run single from Yadier Molina. The loss for Bridges was the first since May for the Carolina ace, who left the game after four innings due to a sore arm. Bolivar finished the game 3-for-5 with two runs, his fourth consecutive multi-hit game.
Carolina (33-28, 75-54) used a three-run third inning to make a game of it. Matt Padgett homered against Josh Axelson (W, 4-2) while Chip Ambres and Brandon Harper each drove home a run with extra base hits. Tyler Johnson relieved Axelson and didn't allow a hit over an inning and a third, while Josh Kinney worked two perfect innings to pick up his first save of the season.
The Smokies return home for a season ending four game series beginning Friday at Smokies Park. The Carolina series continues Wednesday at 7:15 p.m. with Chris Narveson (4-2, 3.20) facing Nic Ungs (2-4, 3.94).
Southern League Stories from August 26, 2003
- Stars Drop Another by 7-1 Score - Huntsville Stars
- Suns move closer to first with 4-3 win - Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp
- Smokies End Skid, Top Mudcats 7-4 - Knoxville Smokies
- Wainwright, Braves Rout O-Rays - Orlando Rays
- Operation Tribute To Freedom Night at the Hoover Met August 29th - Birmingham Barons
- BayBears lose Knott and Guzman to Portland - Mobile BayBears
- BayBears fall to Lookouts in slugfest - Mobile BayBears
- Barons Win Round One, 7-1 - Huntsville Stars
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