Smokies Ignite Barons, 3-2
Published on September 2, 2011 under Southern League (SL1)
Birmingham Barons News Release
Hoover, AL -Steve Clevenger smacked two hits and two RBI as the Tennessee Smokies (39-28, 82-55) ignited the Birmingham Barons (29-38, 69-68), 3-2, in front of 2,390 fans Friday night at Regions Park.
In the top of the fourth inning the Smokies snatched a two-run lead after Ty Wright drew a walk, Rebel Ridling singled to left field and a walk to Josh Vitters loaded the bases. With the sacks packed, a two-run single to center field by Clevenger knocked home Wright and Ridling for the first runs of the game, 2-0.
The Barons cut the deficit in half in the bottom of the fourth inning after Christian Marrero induced a leadoff walk and advanced to third base following a wild pitch and a fielding error by Smokies second baseman, Nate Samson, which allowed Jon Gilmore to reach. With runners on the corners, a groundout by Josh Phegley knocked home Marrero for the Barons' first run, 2-1.
Birmingham knotted the game at 2-2 in the bottom of the seventh inning when Alden Carrithers lined a single to left field and advanced to second on Kenny Williams, Jr.'s sacrifice bunt. After Jake Oester walked and the runners sprinted into scoring position on a double steal, Tyler Kuhn laced a RBI single to right field that knocked home Carrithers for the game-tying run.
Junior Lake hammered a leadoff triple off the right-center field wall in the top of the ninth inning and scampered home on a RBI single by Samson as the Smokies took a one-run lead, 3-2.
Jeffery Beliveau (6-1) earned the victory for the Smokies as the southpaw hurled 1.2 scoreless IP with one hit. Ryan Searle earned a no-decision as the right-hander allowed one unearned run on 3 hits, 3 walks and 4 strikeouts in 6.0 IP.
Johnie Lowe (7-4) suffered the defeat for the Barons as the right-hander allowed one earned run on 2 hits, 3 walks and 1 strikeout in 3.0 IP. Hector Santiago earned a no-decision as the southpaw tossed 6.0 IP with two earned runs on 4 hits, 4 walks and 6 strikeouts.
The Barons and Smokies continue their five-game series with game three with first pitch set for 6:30 p.m. Saturday night at Regions Park. Birmingham will send right-hander Charlie Shirek (3-7, 4.04) as Tennessee hands the ball to right-hander Trey McNutt (5-5, 4.35).
Birmingham Barons tickets are currently available on the web, over the phone or by visiting the Regions Park Box Office. For ticket information, game schedule, or promotions calendar, call (205) 988-3200 or visit www.barons.com, www.facebook.com/birminghambarons or on Twitter: @bhambarons.
Southern League Stories from September 2, 2011
- Smokies Hold on for 3-2 Win in Birmingham - Knoxville Smokies
- Mississippi beats Carolina - Carolina Mudcats
- Smokies Ignite Barons, 3-2 - Birmingham Barons
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- Stars' Bats Silent in 2-0 Loss to Mobile - Huntsville Stars
- BayBears Blank Stars to Even Series - Mobile BayBears
- Offense Stays Silent in 4th-Straight Defeat - Montgomery Biscuits
- Lookouts Cruise to 8-2 Victory over Biscuits - Chattanooga Lookouts
- Catricala Homers But Generals Fall to Suns Again - Jackson Generals
- Suns Defeat Generals 4-3 - Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp
- Dan Nelson and Billy Bullock to Gwinnett Andrew Wilson and Marcus Lemon to Mississippi - Mississippi Braves
- Turner Ward Wins Manager of the Year Award - Mobile BayBears
- Chen Rejoins Smokies Roster Friday - Knoxville Smokies
- Hand Recalled to the Major Leagues - Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp
- RHP James to Nashville - Huntsville Stars
- Attalla Named Southern League Groundskeeper of the Year - Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp
- Mobile's Turner Ward Named Southern League Manager Of The Year - SL1
- Jackson Generals Notes Friday - Jackson Generals
- Southern League Announces End of Year Awards - SL1
- Smokies to Begin Playoffs Thursday, September 8 at Smokies Park - Knoxville Smokies
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