Smokies Jump On Mudcats Early
August 5, 2003 - Southern League (SL1)
Knoxville Smokies News Release
Sevierville, Tenn. - Tennessee (26-17, 60-52) jumped out to a 5-0 lead in the first inning against Carolina starter Denny Bautista (L, 4-2) and cruised to a 6-2 win Tuesday night at Smokies Park. The Mudcats (23-18, 65-44) only managed to score one run on one hit against strong pitching from Smokies starter Josh Axelson (W,1-1), who took a no-hitter into the sixth inning in front of 3,626 fans at Smokies Park.
The Smokies offense finally resurfaced after a recent slump in the first inning. Dan Moylan singled in Shaun Boyd who drew a leadoff walk from second to start the barrage. Tennessee continued the assault on Bautista by drawing two more walks and an RBI single by Chris Weekly. Two more runs scored on an error by first baseman Drew Niles.
Tennessee added a sixth run in the third inning. Kevan Burns reached on a three base error by left fielder Chris Aguila. Corey Erickson, getting his first start in ten games at third base in a return from a hamstring injury, drove Burns in with a sacrifice fly to right field.
Axelson earned his first win in only his third start of the year. Smokies reliever John Novinsky came in and pitched two innings in relief allowing only one hit and Mike Lyons finished the game on the hill in a no- save situation. Lyons gave up one run in the inning and struck out Mudcats centerfielder Chip Ambres swinging to end the game.
The Smokies will play the Mudcats at 7:15 Wednesday evening at Smokies Park with hopes of expanding a two game division lead. Julio Villalon (4-3, 2.66) will start for the Smokies against Marty McLeary (0-1, 1.80). The Smokies will look to extend their Eastern Division lead to three games.
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