SL1 Knoxville Smokies

Smokies Sweep Doubleheader In Huntsville

Published on August 9, 2011 under Southern League (SL1)
Knoxville Smokies News Release


Huntsville, AL - Rebel Ridling combined for four hits, including two home runs in the Smokies' doubleheader sweep of the Stars on Tuesday at Joe Davis Stadium. Tennesse took the first game by a score of 8-0, and won the second game, 4-2. With both wins, the Smokies improve to 25-20 in the second half and are now 68-47 on the year.

In the first game, the Smokies jumped on RHP Michael Bowman (3-10) for two runs in the first inning to take the lead. Ridling's first home run of the night came off Bowman in the second inning to put the Smokies ahead 3-0 at the end of two innings. Tennessee did most of their damage in the third inning, as five straight hitters reached base on their way to scoring four runs in the frame. The scoring was capped off by an RBI single from Ridling to score Josh Vitters, and the Smokies were on top 7-0 after four innings. The Smokies scored once more in the seventh as Jae-Hoon Ha doubled and was driven in on an RBI single off the bat of Ty Wright. RHP Austin Bibens-Dirkx (2-2) got the win for the Smokies, allowing just three hits and walking three while striking out six over 5 2/3 innings of work.

In the backend, the Smokies offense went to work quickly against LHP Dan Merklinger (7-7). With two outs in the second inning, Nate Samson singled into right field and stole second base. With Samson in scoring position, Junior Lake knocked a single up the middle to drive in the first run of the game for the Smokies. In the top of the fourth inning, Ridling led off with a solo home run to left field, giving Tennessee a 2-0 edge. Huntsville got on the board in the bottom half of the fourth off RHP Kevin Rhoderick (6-0). With two outs, Rhoderick walked Brock Kjeldgaard. After a wild pitch allowed Kjeldgaard to advance to second base, Khris Davis singled into center field to drive in Kjeldgaard and cut the Smokies lead to 2-1. In the fifth, Rhoderick walked the first two batters he faced. After a sacrifice bunt by Matt Cline moved both runners into scoring position, Hainley Statia hit a sacrifice fly to score the tying run.

The Smokies responded the very next frame, as Ridling drove in Nelson Perez on an RBI double to put Tennessee ahead 3-2. The next batter, Josh Vitters, repeated with another RBI double, bringing home Ridling and the Smokies led 4-2. Jeff Beliveau and Rafael Dolis combined to hold Huntsville scoreless over the final two innings to preserve the win.

The Smokies return home to start a five game series against the Jacksonville Suns on Wednesda at 7:15 PM. LHP Brooks Raley (6-8, 4.29) will make the start for the Smokies, while the Suns give the ball to RHP Joey O'Gara. Tickets can be purchased at www.smokiesbaseball.com or by calling (865) 286-2300 .

Check out the Knoxville Smokies Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Southern League Stories from August 9, 2011


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.

OurSports Central