SL1 Knoxville Smokies

Smokies Hammer Barons Bullpen in 10-2 Win

Published on July 19, 2003 under Southern League (SL1)
Knoxville Smokies News Release


Birmingham, Ala.- Tennessee (20-8, 55-43) pounded out 16 hits in a 10-2 win over Birmingham (14-13, 47-48) Saturday night in the second game of a four game series. Skip Schumaker had a four-hit night and Julio Villallon (W, 4-1) took a no-hitter into the fifth inning as the Smokies won their fourth straight.

Villalon didn't allow a hit until Carlos Maldonado singled in the fifth inning. Scott Bikowski had reached an a Chris Weekly single prior to Maldonado's single. Chad Durham singled with two outs to score Bikowski for the Barons first run. Villalon allowed just one unearned run and four hits over seven innings with five strikeouts and no walks.

Tennessee led 2-1 heading into the eighth inning on the strength of an RBI double by Corey Erickson and a run scoring single from Yadier Molina against starter Mitch Wylie (L, 2-3).

The Smokies jumped on Barons reliever Jeff Bajenaru for eight runs over the final two innings to blow the game open. Papo Bolivar greeted Bajenaru with a triple and scored on a wild pitch to kick start the offense in the eighth. Erickson (2-for-3, two doubles) laced a run scoring double and Yadier Molina (3-for-4, 3 RBI) scored Erickson with a sacrifice fly.

Tennessee batted around against Bajenaru in the ninth, getting run scoring singles from Bolivar (3-for-5, two runs) and Burns and a two run single from Molina for the final tally.

Tyler Johnson allowed a run in the eighth inning after a lead off walk and two out single by Gabe Alvarez.

John Novinsky made his first appearance for the Smokies since being called up from High A Palm Beach and pitched a scoreless ninth.

Tennessee and Birmingham meet in the third game of the series Sunday night at 7:00 p.m. ET. Juan Pena (3-1, 2.41) will start for the Smokies against Byeong An (3-1, 3.41) in a battle of southpaws.

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Southern League Stories from July 19, 2003


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