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SL1 Knoxville Smokies

Smokies Hit Their Way To Opening Day Win

April 7, 2011 - Southern League (SL1)
Knoxville Smokies News Release


CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. - A combined seven runs over the final two innings fueled the Smokies past the Lookouts on Opening Day in Chattanooga by a final score of 12-4. It is the second straight victory on Opening Day for the Smokies and the first for new manager Brian Harper.

The Smokies jumped out early with four runs in the second inning off RHP Chris Withrow (0-1). Tennessee sent nine batters to the plate during the frame, which was highlighted by an RBI double from Steve Clevenger and three straight RBI base-hits from Chris Rusin, Brett Jackson and Ryan Flaherty to put the Smokies ahead by four. A solo home run by Matt Spencer in the third inning increased Tennessee's lead to 5-0.

Chattanooga got on the board with two runs in the bottom of the fourth on a two-run double off the bat of Matt Wallach. In the fifth, Ivan Ochoa led off with a double and later came into score on an RBI groundout from Brad Coon to cut the Smokies lead to 5-3 after five innings. The Lookouts tacked on another run in the bottom of the seventh and threatened for more with two outs, but LHP Luke Sommer came on in relief to strike out Coon to end the inning.

LHP Chris Rusin (1-0) started for Tennessee and allowed three runs on four hits in five innings of work. The Tennessee bullpen held the Lookouts to just one run on two hits over the final four innings.

Tennessee is back in action against Chattanooga on Friday night at 7:15 pm. RHP Rafael Dolis will start for the Smokies, while the Lookouts go with LHP Michael Antonini. The Smokies will kick off their 100-year celebration at Smokies Park on April 13, as they play host to the Montgomery Biscuits. Tickets can be purchased online at www.smokiesbaseball.com, at the Smokies ticket office or by phone at (865) 286-2300.

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