Tennesse Trips up the Mudcats
June 19, 2009 - Southern League (SL1)
Carolina Mudcats News Release
Sevierville, TN --- Mark Reed hit a sacrifice fly in the bottom of the ninth inning to cap a two-run rally as Tennessee tripped up the Carolina Mudcats 8-7 at Smokies Park before 5,184 fans.
Carolina, which entered the game 1/2 game behind first-place Huntsville with three to play, found itself in a first place tie by the sixth inning when Huntsville dropped the opener of its doubleheader at Birmingham. However, the Mudcats (37-30) missed out on a golden chance to possibly overtake sole possession of the lead, grabbing a 7-6 lead in the top of the ninth. The Mudcats strung together three consecutive two-out hits, culminating on pinch-hitter Shaun Cumberland's ground single to right to score Juan Francisco from second base with the tie-breaking run. Francisco pulled up lame with an apparent right hamstring inning before crossing home plate, and had to be removed for the last of the ninth.
However, closer Ramon Geronimo (L, 2-2), who blew a save in the eighth inning of yesterday's doubleheader opener, was summoned upon for the ninth again. After retiring the leadoff hitter, Darwin Barney flared a single to short left off of Zack Cozart's glove, then a walk ensued. Tony Thomas yanked a double down the left field line to tie the game, with Blake Lalli stopping at third as the winning run. Geronimo issued an intentional walk to load the bases to face the last bat on Tennessee's bench - Mark Reed. Entering hitting just .083, Reed punched a 2-2 fastball deeply enough in left field to bring Lalli in for the Smokies victory.
Carolina blew a 4-0 lead after a half inning, but then rallied from 6-4 down to tie on a two-run, two-out single by Chris Heisey in the sixth. Tennessee (30-38) closed the gap immediately in the first on Tyler Colvin's third homer of the series, a three-run shot to right-center. Thomas doubled in the tying run in the second against starter Tom Cochran to even the game 4-4. The Smokies went ahead in the fourth on a sacrifice fly by pitcher Hung-Wen Chen, then Ty Wright clubbed a homer in the fifth against Lee Tabor.
Pending the outcome of the Stars' second game, the Mudcats will either be tied for the divisional lead with two remaining - if the Stars lose, or a game behind - if the Stars win. At press time, the Stars were trailing 2-0 in the bottom of the sixth.
The series continues Saturday night with Dallas Buck (2-1, 3.42) starting against Jeremy Papelbon (1-3, 3.97) at 7:15 PM ET.
Southern League Stories from June 19, 2009
- Barons Sweep Stars in Double-Header - Birmingham Barons
- Barons Sweep Twin Bill From Stars - Huntsville Stars
- Jaxx Drop Game Three to Biscuits - Jackson Generals
- Smokies Rally for Dramatic 8-7 Win Friday Night - Knoxville Smokies
- M-Braves Trump Lookouts, 8-1 - Chattanooga Lookouts
- Rollins Leads Biscuits to 4-1 Triumph - Montgomery Biscuits
- Tennesse Trips up the Mudcats - Carolina Mudcats
- Suns Hold off BayBears for Friday Win - Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp
- BayBears Come Up Short in Second Straight Loss - Mobile BayBears
- Martinez Joins Roster - Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp
- Diamond Jaxx add 2007 1st Rounder to Roster - Jackson Generals
- Another M-Brave to the Big Leagues - Mississippi Braves
- Carolina Mudcats Transactions - Carolina Mudcats
- Parcell to Join Roster - Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp
- M-Braves Donate $25,000 to UMMC - Mississippi Braves
- Kirkland Returns to Mississippi - Mississippi Braves
- Mudcats, ConAgra Foods Team Up For June 24th Event - Carolina Mudcats
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