SL1 Knoxville Smokies

Smokies Hold on for 3-2 Win in Jackson

August 19, 2011 - Southern League (SL1)
Knoxville Smokies News Release


Jackson, TN - A three run seventh inning and strong defense behind solid pitching put the Smokies on top for good on Friday night, as they downed the Generals 3-2 at Pringles Park. With the win, the Smokies improve to 31-23 in the second half and to 74-50 overall.

RHP Trey McNutt (3-5) took the mound for the Smokies and surrendered an early run in the first inning. After giving up a one-out triple to Nick Franklin, Vince Catricala lined a single up the middle off McNutt, and the Generals had a 1-0 lead as Franklin scored from third. McNutt averted further damage in the first, as he induced what would be the first of five doubleplays on the night for the Smokies.

The score remained 1-0 until the top of the seventh inning, when Steve Clevenger singled up the middle with one out off RHP Steven Hensley (3-7). The next batter, Junior Lake, doubled to deep left center field, and Clevenger motored all the way around to score and tie the game at 1-1. With Lake at second base, Nelson Perez unloaded on an 0-2 pitch from Hensley and hit a two-run homer to right field, putting the Smokies ahead 3-1.

With two outs in the bottom of the seventh, McNutt issued a walk to Gabriel Noriega, who then advanced to second base on the single up the middle by Jake Schaffer. Franklin stepped back up and ripped an RBI single up the middle to drive in Noriega and cut Tennessee's lead to 3-2. With the tying and go-ahead runs now on base, McNutt was able to strike out Che-Chien Chiang to end the threat. McNutt finished the night going seven innings and allowing two runs on seven hits while walking four and striking out five.

RHP's Marco Carrillo and Marcus Hatley pitched the eighth and ninth innings, respectively, shutting down Jackson in both frames.

The Smokies and Generals will conclude their series on Saturday at 7:05 PM. RHP Larry Suarez (0-1, 4.50) will start for the Smokies, while Jackson gives the ball to RHP Yoerivs Medina (0-0, 0.00). The Smokies return home to Smokies Park for a series against the Chattanooga Lookouts on Sunday, August 20, at 5:00 PM. Tickets can be purchased at

www.smokiesbaseball.com or by calling

(865) 286-2300.

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Southern League Stories from August 19, 2011


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