Smokies Lose Season Finale, Shot At Division Crown
September 1, 2003 - Southern League (SL1)
Knoxville Smokies News Release
Sevierville, Tenn. -Tennessee's offense managed one hit against a handful of Jacksonville pitchers, and lost the season finale 2-1 in front of 3,101 fans at Smokies Park.. The loss, coupled with a Carolina win, denied Tennessee the second half Eastern Division Crown. Despite not winning the division, Tennessee still earned the Eastern Division wild card, based on their overall record of 72-67.
Franklin Gutierrez led off the game with a home run off Chris Narveson (L, 4-3) to give Jacksonville an early lead. Brennan King hit his fourth homer in as many nights with no one aboard in the fourth to make it 2-0 Suns.
Corey Erickson hit a solo shot in the seventh for the Smokies to chop the lead in half. It was the only hit for Tennessee, as the Smokies managed eight other base runners on walks.
Luis Pineda (W, 1-1) came in relief of starter Elvin Nina to grab the win. Lino Urdaneta came in to pitch the ninth inheriting two base runners with one out. He got Caonabo Cosme to ground into a 6-4-3 double play to earn his sixth save of the season.
Game 1 of the Eastern Division playoffs will begin on Wednesday at Carolina at 7:15 p.m. Tennessee will send Juan Pena (6-5, 3.49) to the mound against Trevor Hutchinson of the Mudcats. Tennessee will host game three Friday night at Smokies Park. Games four and five, if necessary, would also be at Carolina.
Southern League Stories from September 1, 2003
- BayBears close out season with a win - Mobile BayBears
- Stars Drop Final Post-season Tune-up - Huntsville Stars
- Rays Close Disney Run With Dramatic Win - Orlando Rays
- Braves Shutout Barons, 5-0 - Birmingham Barons
- Smokies Lose Season Finale, Shot At Division Crown - Knoxville Smokies
- Suns close season with win, 2-1 - Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp
- Stars Win Second in a Row, 9-7 - Huntsville Stars
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