Smokies Fall in Close Affair with Barons
June 9, 2018 - Southern League (SL1)
Knoxville Smokies News Release
SEVIERVILLE, TN - The Birmingham Barons defeated the Tennessee Smokies for the second consecutive day on Saturday, winning 3-0 at Smokies Stadium. Despite quality pitching from Tennessee, the Smokies offense could not back it up.
A scoreless affair through four innings was broken up by a two-run home run in the fifth inning that gave the Barons a 2-0 lead. They added to the lead in the sixth inning when a sacrifice fly made it 3-0 Birmingham.
The Smokies got on the board in the bottom of the seventh inning, as Trent Giambrone and Will Remillard both singled with two outs. After a Birmingham mound visit, Zack Short spoiled the shutout with an RBI single to center that scored Giambrone and pulled Tennessee within two, 3-1. Vimael Machin followed with a walk to load the bases, but the Smokies were unable to score again.
Michael Rucker started the game on the mound for the Smokies and lasted 6.0 innings, giving up three runs on five hits and one walk. He also struck out seven. Rucker has allowed three earned runs or fewer in seven out of his last eight starts.
Preston Morrison came in to relieve Rucker to start the seventh inning. Morrison threw the final three innings, allowing just one hit and one walk. He also struck out two.
The Smokies and Barons will meet for the third game of the series on Sunday at 2:00 p.m. ET. Duncan Robinson (3-1, 3.71 ERA) is projected to start for Tennessee and Birmingham will counter with Spencer Adams (3-6, 4.88 ERA). Robinson is coming off a five-inning outing against Jackson in his last start, where he allowed just one run to score. His ERA has decreased in the last three games he has started.
The full schedule for this season and information regarding single-game tickets, season tickets, and mini plans can be found online at smokiesbaseball.com, or by calling the Smokies Ticket Office at 865-286-2300.
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