SL1 Knoxville Smokies

Spencer's Blast the Difference in Smokies' 7-6 Win Saturday

Published on June 26, 2010 under Southern League (SL1)
Knoxville Smokies News Release


KODAK, Tenn. - Matt Spencer's two-run blast over the wind fence in right was the icing on the cake for the Tennessee Smokies, as they fought back from a 6-3 deficit to beat the Carolina Mudcats for the fourth time in five games this week at Smokies Park, 7-6. Saturday night's win puts the Smokies at 4-1 in the season's second half and 46-28 overall.

Spencer's heroics seemed very unlikely early on. The Smokies answered a Carolina run in the first with three of their own in the bottom of the frame. Tony Thomas' double brought home Tony Campana for the first Smokies run of the game. A Blake Lalli groundout brought in the second run of the frame, while Spencer's single to right, the first of three RBIs for him on the night, put the Smokies up 3-1.

The lead would not last long though, as an uncharacteristically off night for Tennessee starter Hung-Wen Chen would lead to a total of five runs plated by Carolina in the third and fourth innings. The Mudcats' attack was led by Dave Sappelt, whose two-run home run in the third tied the game at three. One inning later, Carolina starter Matt Fairel helped his own cause with a two-run home run of his own to put Carolina back up, 6-3.

Tennessee would begin to make their push in the sixth as Marwin Gonzalez's two-out single up the middle brought Robinson Chirinos home, cutting Carolina's lead to 6-4.

Things would get heated in the seventh. With Russ Canzler at the plate, Tony Campana attempted to steal third. Mudcats catcher Devin Mesoraco's throw to third sailed over the head of Eric Eymann, allowing Campana to score on the error and cut the Mudcats' lead to one. Carolina manager David Bell came out to unsuccessfully argue that Canzler interfered with the throw, leading to his ejection after Mesoraco was ejected by home umpire Jason Cooksey for arguing the non-call.

Needing two more runs to finish the comeback, Tennessee's two stars of the night came through. Chirinos hit safely for the third time to lead off the bottom of the eighth. Spencer followed with his mammoth shot off Jerry Gil (3-3), bringing the crowd of 4,174 to its feet and the Smokies a 7-6 lead.

Tennessee's bullpen bottled up Carolina late. Jake Muyco (3-2) would get his second win of the series with two scoreless innings of relief, while Luke Sommer (S, 4) pitched a scoreless ninth to get the save.

The Smokies and Mudcats will wrap up this week's series Sunday at 5:00 at Smokies Park. Alberto Cabrera (0-3, 5.89) will pitch for Tennessee, while Matt Klinker (4-4, 1.79) will go for Carolina. Sunday is "Jimmy Buffett Night," featuring a post-game concert by tribute band "Key West." Tickets can be purchased online at www.smokiesbaseball.com or by calling (865) 286-2300.

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Southern League Stories from June 26, 2010


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