Troops Take Center Stage at Smokies Park
April 28, 2003 - Southern League (SL1)
Knoxville Smokies News Release
Troops Take Center Stage at Smokies Park Smokies Honor Men and Women of Military Sevierville, Tenn. - Lee Greenwood, the bald eagle "Challenger", and a Blackhawk helicopter demonstration with air support by two Warrior Gunships headlined "Support Our Troops Night" at Smokies Park Monday. A crowd of 5,742, the largest of the season, arrived to Smokies Park early Monday to thank the men and women of the armed forces and then watch Tennessee (15-9) run its season high win streak to four games with a 7-2 win over Orlando (7-18).
The Blackhawk, manned by a crew from the Tennessee National Guard, landed in center field during pre-game ceremonies and delivered the game ball. Greenwood brought the crowd to its feet with his well- known rendition of God Bless the USA and again during the National Anthem, while "Challenger" flew into the stadium from the hill behind center field and landed on his handlers arm on the mound.
Once the game started, John Gall jump-started the offense with his first home run of the year, a solo shot off Orlando's Jim Magrane (2-2).
Tennessee kept the offense going with a five run third when Dan Moylan led off with a walk. Papo Bolivar followed with the first of his two doubles and Yadier Molina singled home Moylan. John Nelson and Chris Weekly then added some fuel to the fire by hitting an RBI single and a two run double. Weekly scored when catcher Chairon Isenia was charged with an error for throwing his glove at a high throw to the plate.
Orlando scored its two runs on a pair of home runs by Dan Grummitt off Smokies starter Nick Stocks (2-0). Stocks struck out nine and didn't walk a batter over seven innings. B.R. Cook and Cheyenne Janke kept the Rays off the scoreboard for the final two frames.
Tennessee aims for the series sweep Tuesday at 11:30 a.m. Orlando's Jose Veras (0-2, 3.24) will start against Jeremy Cummings (2-2, 4.64).
Southern League Stories from April 28, 2003
- G-Braves Rally for 4-2 Win - Mississippi Braves
- BayBears bounce back to defeat the Lookouts - Mobile BayBears
- Troops Take Center Stage at Smokies Park - Knoxville Smokies
- Grummitt's Efforts Can't Stand Alone - Orlando Rays
- Kids Won, Suns: Nothing - Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp
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