SL1 Knoxville Smokies

Smokies Split DH in Huntsville

Published on August 6, 2011 under Southern League (SL1)
Knoxville Smokies News Release


Huntsville, AL - After picking up a 5-2 victory in the first game of the doubleheader, the Smokies couldn't match the Stars' three home runs in the second game and fell 3-2 in the backend on Saturday at Joe Davis Stadium. With the split the Smokies now stand at 22-20 in the second half and 65-47 overall.

In the first game, RHP Ryan Searle (4-2) pitched around two early runs to pick up his second straight victory. Searle allowed two runs on four hits over six innings, while walking four and striking out one. The Smokies scored their runs in bunches, picking up two runs in the fourth on a two-run homer by Josh Vitters. The home run for the Smokies snapped a homerless streak of 53 innings. In the sixth, it was Vitters scored Rebel Ridling on an infield single to give Tennessee a 3-2 lead. The next batter, Nelson Perez, hit a two-run homer to put the Smokies up 5-2. Rafael Dolis closed it out, retiring the side in order in the seventh for his 11th save.

In the second game, The Stars struck early off RHP Marco Carrillo (5-2). With two outs in the first inning, Zelous Wheeler hit a solo home run to right field to put Huntsville up 1-0. The Smokies would end up washing away a bases loaded opportunity in the third after Ridling grounded into a force out to end the frame. In the fifth, Tennessee had two men on with less than two outs before Blake Lalli's double play ended that threat.

Huntsville used the long ball again in the bottom of the fifth inning as Matt Cline hit a solo shot off Carrillo to put the Stars up 2-0. In the sixth, it was Khris Davis who belted out the third homer of the game to increase Huntville's lead to 3-0. With two outs and two men on for the Smokies in the top of the seventh inning, Vitters knocked a single into left field, scoring both runs to cut the Huntsville lead to 3-2. However, Lalli would strike out to end the rally and the game.

The Smokies and Stars play the third game of their series on Sunday at 7:43 PM. RHP Trey McNutt (2-4, 4.79) takes the ball for the Smokies and Huntsville will start RHP Kyle Heckathorn (0-2, 5.33). The Smokies return home to start a five game series against the Jacksonville Suns on Wednesday, August 10, at 7:15 PM. Tickets can be purchased at www.smokiesbaseball.com or by calling (865) 286-2300.

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Southern League Stories from August 6, 2011


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