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Smokies fall to Barons in home opener, 6-2

April 15, 2009 - Southern League (SL1)
Knoxville Smokies News Release


SEVIERVILLE, Tenn. - The excitement stemming from Wednesday night's pre-game ceremonies at the Tennessee Smokies' home opener was quickly doused by the Birmingham Barons, as a series of first-inning Barons' doubles helped lead them to a 6-2 win over the Smokies, in front of 2.612 fans at Smokies Park.

Tennessee starter James Russell was unable to find his groove Wednesday night, allowing three runs in the top of the first. Barons CF John Shelby doubled off Russell (0-2) to start off the game and came around to score on Gordon Beckham's double to right. Barons LF David Cook followed with a double to right field, bringing Beckham and Flowers around to score, making it 3-0 Barons. The Smokies countered with two runs in the bottom of the second. CF Brandon Guyer scored on a Richie Robnett triple to cut the Barons lead to 3-1. Robnett then scored himself on a pass ball, making it 3-2 Birmingham.

Birmingham took the momentum back in the fourth, with Cook once again right in the middle of a Barons rally. His single to lead off the frame was followed by a Stefan Gartrell home run to center, giving the Barons a 5-2 lead. Gartrell would cross home again in the top of the eighth, accounting for the Barons' sixth and final run of the game. Barons starter Brian Omogrosso (1-0) picked up the win Wednesday night, keeping the Smokies off balance to the tune of five hits and one run allowed in six innings of work. Teammate Leo Nunez (S, 1) worked the final three innings for the Barons, collecting five strikeouts. Russell lasted only four innings for the Smokies, allowing five runs on six hits and walking two.

Tennessee relievers Alex Maestri, Jeremy Papelbon and Brian Schlitter did combine though to allow only one run in five innings. Tennessee and Birmingham will do it again in Game 2 Thursday night at Smokies Park. The Barons will send Kyle McCulloch (1-0, 3.00) to the mound against the Smokies' Hung-Wen Chen (1-0, 3.38). Tickets to Thursday's game, which includes a special UT Night promotion and the team's "Kids Eat Free" deal, can be purchased at www.smokiesbaseball.com or by calling (865) 286-2300.

ABOUT THE TENNESSEE SMOKIES The Tennessee Smokies are the minor league Class AA affiliate of the Chicago Cubs. Members of the 10-team Southern League, Smokies baseball has been entertaining families and fans of America's national pastime in the East Tennessee region for almost 100 years. To learn more about the Tennessee Smokies, visit www.smokiesbaseball.com - powered by Comcast.

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