Smokies Win Toyota Field Opener
Published on May 11, 2021 under Southern League (SL)
Knoxville Smokies News Release
MADISON, AL - The Tennessee Smokies (4-2) spoiled the Rocket City Trash Pandas (2-5) first ever game at Toyota Field with a 4-3 victory in ten innings Tuesday night. Christian Donahue's sacrifice bunt in the tenth drove in the game winning run. Tyler Payne finished the day 2-for-4 with a solo home run, he now has seven RBI's over the last four games.
Levi Jordan's two-out solo home run to left field got the scoring started in the second inning. Anthony Mulrine's two-out RBI single in the bottom half tied the game. The Smokies and Trash Pandas exchanged two-out solo home runs in the fourth. Payne's home run to right center field in the top half was his first of the season. Izzy Wilson's in the bottom half tied the game at two.
Spencer Griffin led off the bottom of the fifth with a solo home run to put Rocket City up 3-2. Christopher Morel and Miguel Amaya led off the sixth with back-to-back singles. Morel scored the tying run on Jordan's two-out RBI single.
Connor Myers began the tenth inning on second base, moved to third on an error, and scored the game winning run on Donahue's sacrifice bunt. RHP Manuel Rodriguez (SV, 1) stranded the tying and winning runs on base, he struck out two in a scoreless inning.
RHP Cayne Ueckert (W, 1-0) struck out three and allowed just one hit over two shutout innings to earn the win in relief in his Double-A debut. RHP Cam Sanders struck out seven for the second straight start. Zach Davis finished the day 3-for-5, while Jordan finished 2-for-4 with a solo home run and two RBI's.
The Smokies and Trash Pandas continue their six game series Wednesday night at Toyota Field. First Pitch between RHP Matt Swarmer (0-0, 3.00) and RHP Kyle Tyler (0-1, 7.36) is scheduled for 7:35 PM ET.
The Smokies return home for a series with the Biloxi Shuckers May 18-23. Tickets are available and can be purchased online, over the phone, or by visiting our box office.
Southern League Stories from May 11, 2021
- Barons Rebound to Take Game Four - Birmingham Barons
- Granite Falls Just Short of the Cycle in Barons Win - Birmingham Barons
- Birmingham Barons Announce Capacity Increase and Release Remaining Individual Tickets - Birmingham Barons
- Barons Lose Third Game of the Series - Birmingham Barons
- Blue Wahoos Fall 6-1 as Baseball Returns to Pensacola - Pensacola Blue Wahoos
- Smokies Win Toyota Field Opener - Knoxville Smokies
- Opening Night Postponed in Biloxi - Biloxi Shuckers
- Biscuits Drop Home Opener to Lookouts, 4-2 - Montgomery Biscuits
- M-Braves and Shuckers Postponed on Tuesday Night in Biloxi - Mississippi Braves
- Shuckers Make Host of Moves Ahead of Home Opener - Biloxi Shuckers
- Healthcare Worker to Throw out Shuckers First Pitch on Opening Day - Biloxi Shuckers
- Barons Announce Capacity Increase and Release Remaining Individual Tickets - Birmingham Barons
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.
