Velazquez Homers, Bullpen Lead Smokies to Game One Win over Lookouts
Published on April 27, 2022 under Southern League (SL)
Knoxville Smokies News Release
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. - The Tennessee Smokies (9-6) took game one of the six-game series against the Chattanooga Lookouts (9-7) in a 5-4 win on Tuesday night.
The Smokies got off to a hot start in the first inning against Lookouts starter Eduardo Salazar (L, 1-2), using two hits and a walk to load the bases for Bryce Ball, who smoked a 2-RBI double to give Tennessee its first lead of the night. The Smokies weren't done as Nelson Maldonado doubled in the next at-bat, clearing the bases and extending the lead to four. The double was the first of a three-hit night for the Tennessee designated hitter.
Chattanooga climbed its way back into the game using a four-run fourth inning, but the Smokies would regain the lead in the fifth thanks to a solo home run from the reigning Southern Player of the Week, Nelson Valazquez, his sixth of the year. With the hit, Valazquez extended his hitting and on-base streak to eight games.
Tennessee's starter, Anderson Espinoza went just three innings, giving up three hits, three runs and three walks, including a three-run home run. Smokies' manager Michael Ryan then turned to the bullpen, who put together six innings of one-run baseball.
Blake Whitney (W, 1-0) was credited his first win of the year, while Bryan Hudson (S, 1) picked up the save, his first.
The Smokies and the Lookouts will play game two of their series on Wednesday night at AT&T Feild. First pitch is scheduled for 7:15 p.m. ET when the Smokies send right-hander Cam Sanders (0-1, 5.79 ERA) to the mound to face Chattanooga's right-hander Sam McWilliams (0-2, 2.00 ERA).
Southern League Stories from April 27, 2022
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