Sports stats

SL1 Knoxville Smokies

Smokies Split Double Dip

July 2, 2003 - Southern League (SL1)
Knoxville Smokies News Release


Sevierville, Tenn. - Tennessee (12-2, 47-37) was unable to win its tenth game in a row as they dropped the first game of Wednesday's double-header 2-1 to the Carolina Mudcats (8-6, 50-32). A five run first inning paced the Smokies to a 5-3 win in the second game. The split still has the Smokies leading the Mudcats by four games in the second half.

Rick Ankiel (2-6) started the first game and pitched well for the third consecutive start. Ankiel went the distance in a complete game loss, allowing two hits and two runs while striking out six. His ERA is now 1.80 over his past three starts.

The Mudcats scored their two runs with a two-out, bases loaded single by Jesus Medrano in the third inning. Outside of the third inning hiccup, Ankiel was perfect. The 23-year-old left hander retired the first eight and final 13 batters faced. He put the side down in order in the 1st, 2nd, 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th innings. Ankiel struck out the final two batters he faced and finished with 89 pitches, 63 strikes, and 18 of 25 first pitch strikes.

The Smokies were able to get one run back in the fifth when Kevan Burns stroked a double and Dan Moylan drove him home with a single. The Smokies had an opportunity to add another run in the sixth with a runner at third and one out, but former Smokies pitcher Franklyn Gracesqui was able to strike out next two Smokies to keep the score at 2-1.

Trevor Hutchinson (2-0) went 5 1/3 innings for the Mudcats and only allowed one run on five Smokies hits. Mike Flannery allowed two hits in the seventh but was able to escape with his 11th save of the season.

In the second game the Smokies fell behind 1-0 to the Mudcats in the first inning but quickly answered with a two run single by Chris Weekly. Al Benjamin, Chris Netwall, and Nick Stocks followed with RBI singles to make the score 5-1 after one inning. The hit by Netwall came in his first at bat with the Smokies.

The Mudcats added a run in the third when Billy Hall walked, stole second and third, and scored on Matt Padgett's second RBI groundout of the game. Hall had four stolen bases in the double-header and now has 501 in his career.

Nick Stocks (6-4) started the game and was pulled after allowing a solo home run to Matt Padgett in the sixth. He was credited with the win after going five innings allowing five hits and three runs while striking out three. Mike Lyons pitched a scoreless seventh to pick up his 22nd save of the year. Steve Kent (3-4) picked up the loss for the Mudcats after giving up the five runs in the first inning.

The Smokies will host Carolina Thursday night at 7:15 for the final game of the four game series. Julio Villalon (3-0, 0.83) will face Ryan Snare (5-3, 3.84) of the Mudcats. An Independence Day fireworks show will follow the game.

Check out the Knoxville Smokies Statistics



Southern League Stories from July 2, 2003


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

Other Recent Knoxville Smokies Stories



Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew
OurSports Central