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SL1 Knoxville Smokies

Smokies Homer Past 'Cats Into First

August 28, 2003 - Southern League (SL1)
Knoxville Smokies News Release


Zebulon, NC - John Nelson and Bucky Jacobsen homered Tennessee past Carolina 3-2 Thursday night at Five County Stadium and closer to the post season. Tennessee (35-30, 70-65) led wire to wire and returns to first place in the Eastern Division, tied with Carolina with four games remaining. The Mudcats head to Orlando for seven games in four days over Labor Day weekend to finish the regular season.

Neslon launched a solo home run in the first inning against starter Denny Bautista (L, 4-5) to open the scoring. Nelson singled to lead off the third and set the stage for Jacobsen's game winner. Jacobsen, who earlier in the day was named a Southern League All-Star, launched his 31st home run of the season. The home run not only won the game, but also tied Jacobsen for the home run lead in all of minor league baseball.

Carolina (34-29, 76-55) had several opportunities to win, and pulled within one in the fourth. The Mudcats produced five straight one out base hits to push two runs across but left two men on base. Juan Pena (W, 6-5) allowed eight hits over six innings for the win while John Novinsky allowed just one hit over three scoreless innings of relief for his third save.

In other news, second baseman Caonabo Cosme and first baseman Jacobsen were both named to the Southern League post season All-Star team.

The Smokies return home for a season ending four game series beginning Friday at Smokies Park against third place Jacksonville. Nick Stocks (9-8, 4.95) will start against the Suns Greg Bauer (6-5, 2.81).

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