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SL Rocket City Trash Pandas

Trash Pandas Drop Opener to Smokies 13-2

May 2, 2023 - Southern League (SL)
Rocket City Trash Pandas News Release


MADISON, Alabama - The Rocket City Trash Pandas fell behind early, and were never able to mount a sustained comeback, falling 13-2 to the Tennessee Smokies in the opener of a six-game series on Tuesday night at Toyota Field.

Tennessee broke through against Rocket City starter Brett Kerry (L, 0-2) in the second with Bryce Ball's RBI single, followed by a three-run homer from catcher Pablo Aliendo to make it a 4-0 game. Chase Strumpf homered an inning later to increase the lead to five.

Rocket City got on the board in the third against Tennessee starter Jordan Wicks (W, 2-0). Kevin Maitan began the inning with a double and came home to score on an RBI double from Edgar Quero. Orlando Martinez then hit a sacrifice fly to center, playing Kyren Paris, who reached earlier with a walk.

Kerry departed after three innings, allowing five runs on four hits with two walks and three strikeouts. He would suffer his second loss in as many starts.

Dakota Donovan was first out of the Rocket City bullpen and struggled, allowing three runs in the fourth and one more in the fifth as Tennessee broke the game open at 8-2. Brandon Dufault into the game for the Trash Pandas and gave up a run over two relief innings, striking out a pair.

In the eighth, the Smokies extended their lead to 10 runs on a two-run homer from Luis Vazquez off Ivan Armstrong before BJ Murray's RBI single capped the scoring at 13-2.

For the Smokies, Wicks earned the win after allowing two runs in five innings with five strikeouts. Relievers Jake Reindl, Ben Hecht, and Cayne Ueckert combined to pitch the final four innings without allowing a run to finish the win for the visitors. Strumpf went 3-for-3 for Tennessee, scoring four runs while Vazquez and Aliendo each drove in three.

Kenyon Yovan ended the night on the mound for Rocket City with a scoreless ninth. Maitan produced the Trash Pandas' only multi-hit game, going 2-for-3 with a run scored and a double. Paris went 1-for-3 with a run and two walks in the loss.

The loss drops the Trash Pandas into a first-place tie with the Smokies, with both teams holding 12-10 records through the first 22 games of the season.

The Trash Pandas (12-10) and Smokies (12-10) continue their series with an Education Day matinee on Wednesday. First pitch is scheduled for 11:05 a.m. Josh Caray will be on the call for 103.9 FM THE UMP and 730 AM SportsR

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