Smokies Rally in Ninth for Thrilling 3-2 Win Monday
Published on May 24, 2010 under Southern League (SL1)
Knoxville Smokies News Release
KODAK, Tenn. - Down to their last three outs of Monday's game, and having only scored two runs over the previous 17 innings, the Tennessee Smokies came through with two runs in the final frame to beat the Jacksonville Suns 3-2 at Smokies Park. The win, in front of 3,342 fans, gives the Smokies the series win over last year's Southern League champs and puts them at 27-18 on the year.
Tennessee's comeback task in the ninth would be a difficult one, as they faced off against the Suns' Matt Peterson, who was third in the Southern League in saves. Looking to get at least one to send the game into extra innings, Matt Spencer began the frame with a single to right. Josh Vitters' sacrifice bunt moved Spencer to second with one out.
The key moment in the Smokies' rally came during Tony Thomas' at-bat. Suns 2B Tim Torres would misplay Thomas' grounder between first and second, resulting in an error and putting runners on first and third. Peterson would then walk Russ Canzler and Tony Campana in succession, with the latter bringing in Spencer from third to the game at two.
With the bases still loaded and two outs, Marwin Gonzalez hit a fly ball to shallow left. Thomas bolted from third as soon as the fly ball hit the glove of Suns' OF Mike Stanton and with the help of teammate Ty Wright, who was on-deck and signaling which side for Thomas to slide in, Thomas slid around the tag of Vinny Rottino to give the Smokies the series and Peterson (3-3) the loss.
Lost in all the ninth-inning drama was the play of Smokies starter Alberto Cabrera. Coming into the game with a 14.21 ERA, Tennessee's newest starter was impressive in his six-inning outing. Cabrera allowed only one run on four hits, striking out three and walking two to lower his ERA to 8.03.
Tennessee's bullpen was solid as well, holding Jacksonville to only one run over the final three innings. Ryan Buchter (2-0) picked up the win with a scoreless ninth.
On offense, PH Marquez Smith hit his first inning since being sent to Tennessee last weekend, a solo shot to dead center that tied the game at one in the seventh.
After a travel day on Tuesday, the Smokies take on the Montgomery Biscuits and Birmingham Barons in consecutive five-game series. The team returns to Smokies Park for Cap Giveaway Night and a special fireworks show on Saturday, June 5. Tickets can be purchased at www.smokiesbaseball.com or by calling (865) 286-2300.
Southern League Stories from May 24, 2010
- Braves Take Series, Down Huntsville 5-2 - Mississippi Braves
- Stars fall to M-Braves, 5-2 - Huntsville Stars
- Smokies Rally in Ninth for Thrilling 3-2 Win Monday - Knoxville Smokies
- Mudcats Endure Lookouts, 9-7 - Chattanooga Lookouts
- Smokies Rally in Ninth to Take Series over Suns - Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp
- Biscuits and Jaxx Rained-Out - Montgomery Biscuits
- Jaxx Game Cancelled on Monday Night - Jackson Generals
- Krebs Promoted - Carolina Mudcats
- Wright Wins Hitter Of The Week - Knoxville Smokies
- BayBears Take On The Braves In Can't-Miss Homestand At "The Hank" - Mobile BayBears
- Southern League Announces Players Of The Week May 17-23 - SL1
- Diamond Jaxx Encourage Tennessee Flood Relief Donations - Jackson Generals
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