Smokies Open Second Half on Thursday

SEVIERVILLE - The Tennessee Smokies open up a five-game homestand this evening, Thursday, June 23, against the First Half champions of the Southern League South Division, Pensacola Blue Wahoos, the Double-A affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds. Among the highlights for the fantastic five contests are Postgame Fireworks on Friday and Saturday, Halfway to Christmas Night - with an in-game jersey auction - on Saturday and Willy Wonka Day - with a chocolate bar giveaway - on Sunday

The five-game homestand gets underway tonight, Thursday, June 23, with a Coors Light Thirsty Thursday. Fans can get ready for the upcoming weekend with drink specials including $1 draft beers and soft drinks. It will also be a Pilot Prize Night at the ballpark. All fans in attendance will receive Pilot Prize Cards that can award patrons anything from free gas to various food items from Pilot Food Marts. First pitch is slated for 7:05 p.m.

It will be Railroad Safety Night presented by Tennessee Operation Lifesaver on Friday, June 24. There will be special on-field games and videoboard graphics as a part of the evening's festivites, as fans learn important information about how to keep safe around railroad tracks. Following the final out there will be a spectacular Postgame Fireworks show courtesy of Pepsi, Coors Light, WVLT, WIVK and the Knoxville News Sentinel. The contest is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

Fans are encouraged to show their holiday spirit on Halfway to Christmas Night presented by the Salvation Army on Saturday, June 25. Smokies players and coaches will wear special blue and red ugly Christmas sweater uniforms during that evening's game that will be auctioned off with the proceeds benefitting the Salvation Army. Along with special videoboard graphics, on-field games, and music, the first 250 fans through the gates will also receive a Glow-Up Reindeer Nose Giveaway courtesy of Alzheimer's Tennessee. Like all Saturday affairs, there will be another wonderful Postgame Fireworks display inconjunction with Alzheimer's Tennessee. That night's game will get underway at 7:05 p.m.

Cure your sweet tooth with the Smokies on Sunday, June 26 for Willy Wonka Day. In honor of the legendary chocolatier the first 500 fans in attendance will receive a special Chocolate Bar Giveaway. Like all Sunday contests, it will be a U.S. Cellular Family FUNday at Smokies Stadium. For $48, fans can enjoy a package that include four tickets, four meal vouchers and two kid's zone wristbands. Finally, it will also be a Food City Family Night presented by Orville Redenbacher and ConAgra. First pitch for Sunday's duel is scheduled for 5:05 p.m.

The homestand wraps up on Monday, June 27 with a McGhee Tyson Airport Dollar Monday. Fans can purchase hot dogs, popcorn, programs and small Pepsi products for as cheap as $1. Following the final out, children in attendance can run the bases courtesy of Shoney's. The game will get underway at 7:05 p.m.

Tickets for all five games of Tennessee's contests are still available, and can be purchased at www.smokiesbaseball.com, or by calling the Smokies Ticket Office at 865-286-2300.

 

Probable Starting Pitchers

Thursday: RHP Tyler Mahle (0-0, -.-- ERA) vs. RHP Tyler Skulina (3-5, 4.48 ERA)

Friday: RHP Sal Romano (1-7, 4.84 ERA) vs. RHP Jen-Ho Tseng (2-3, 3.22 ERA)

Saturday: RHP Rookie Davis (5-1, 2.39 ERA) vs. RHP Duane Underwood Jr. (0-4, 5.12 ERA)

Sunday: RHP Nick Travieso (3-3, 4.91 ERA) vs. RHP Paul Blackburn (4-2, 2.53 ERA)

Monday: RHP Jackson Stephens (5-5, 3.05 ERA) vs. RHP Brad Markey (5-3, 2.41 ERA)

Smokies Radio Broadcasts

Thursday: Sports Radio WNML (99.1 FM & AM 990), smokiesbaseball.com, TuneIn & MiLB First Pitch apps.

Friday: Sports Radio WNML (99.1 FM & AM 990), smokiesbaseball.com, TuneIn & MiLB First Pitch apps.

Saturday: Sports Radio WNML (99.1 FM & AM 990), smokiesbaseball.com, TuneIn & MiLB First Pitch apps.

Sunday: Sports Radio WNML (99.1 FM & AM 990), smokiesbaseball.com, TuneIn & MiLB First Pitch apps.

Monday: Sports Radio WNML (99.1 FM & AM 990), smokiesbaseball.com, TuneIn & MiLB First Pitch apps.

 

ABOUT THE TENNESSEE SMOKIES

The Tennessee Smokies are the Double-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs. Members of the ten-team Southern League, Smokies baseball has been entertaining families and fans of America's national pastime in the East Tennessee region for over 100 years. To learn more about the Tennessee Smokies, visit www.smokiesbaseball.com.