Smokies Score First and Win a Close Game, 2-1

SEVIERVILLE- The Smokies struck first on Friday and were able to hold on to a slim one run victory.

RHP Michael Wagner (5.0 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 7 SO) would take the mound for the Smokies to face off against Braves' No. 12 prospect Manny Banuelos (5.0 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 2 ER, BB, 6 SO). Wagner would earn the win while Banuelos took the loss, and moved Tennessee's record to 12-15 in the second half, and 40-57 overall. The loss moves the Braves to 15-13 in the second half and 49-48 overall.

2B Ian Happ (2-4, R, SO) singled in the bottom of the first in an attempt to ignite a two-out rally. C David Freitas (1-4, RBI, SO) fisted a ball to left field where LF Dustin Peterson (2-4, RBI, SO) attempted to make a diving grab close to the line but the ball squirted past him. This allowed Happ to score from first on the Freitas' double, and marked the first time in 13 games that the Smokies have scored first to give them a 1-0 lead. 

PH Kelly Dugan (1-2, R, RBI, HR) would pinch hit for the pitcher Wagner in the bottom of the fifth and hit a solo home run to right field, his seventh of the year and third pinch hit home run on the season, and give the Smokies a 2-0 lead.

RHP R.J. Alvarez (1.0 IP, H, R, ER, BB, 2 SO) would enter the game in the sixth inning to pitch in relief for the Smokies. SS Dansby Swanson (0-3, R, BB, 2 SO) would draw a two-out walk and proceed to steal second base to enter scoring position and would score on a Peterson triple and cut the lead to 2-1.

LHP Steve Kint (1.0 IP) would come in and relieve Banuelos in the bottom of the sixth inning and would not allow a baserunner. 

LHP Jack Leathersich (1.0 IP, 2 H, SO) would come in to pitch in the seventh for his Smokies debut. 2B Ozzie Albies(1-4, SO) would get a huge chance for Mississippi with two runners in scoring position, but would fly out deep to center field and keep the Smokies lead at 2-1.

LHP A.J. Minter (1.0 IP, H, SO) would come in to pitch for the M-Braves in the seventh and part of the eighth inning and would allow one runner on a double. 

RHP James Farris (1.0 IP, 3 SO) would come in to pitch the eighth and threw a perfect frame to keep the Smokies' lead intact. 

3B Chesny Young (1-4) would lead off the eighth inning with a double that was extremely close to leaving the yard, but Young nonetheless had a standup double. RHP Caleb Dirks (1.0 IP) came in to pitch in the eighth inning after Young's double and would not allow the run to cross the dish. 

RHP David Garner (1.0 IP, H, 2 SO, SV) came in and got the save for the Smokies, allowing one baserunner but not letting him advance past first. 

RHP Brad Markey (6-5, 2.71 ERA) will face off against RHP Lucas Sims (1-3, 2.98 ERA) on Saturday night for a 7:05 p.m. EST start time at Smokies Stadium.

Be sure to wear purple to Smokies Stadium in honor of those facing Alzheimer's and related dementias, tomorrow Saturday, July 23 for Purple Out the Park Night in partnership with Alzheimer's Tennessee. Smokies players and coaches will wear special purple-and-orange-clad uniforms that will be auctioned off during the contest with proceeds benefiting Alzheimer's Tennessee. Special t-shirts that resemble the uniforms will also be sold at the GoTeez Locker Room. 20 percent of shirt proceeds will beneift Alzheimer's Tennessee. Patrons are encouraged to arrive to the ballpark early as the first 250 fans through the gates get a Beach Ball Giveaway courtesy of Alzheimer's Tennessee. As with all Saturday games, after the contest there will be a spectacular Postgame Fireworks display presented in partnership with Alzheimer's Tennessee. 

Single-game tickets, as well as multi-voucher and season ticket packages are still available, and can be purchased online at smokiesbaseball.com, or by calling the Smokies Ticket Office at 865-286-2300.

The Tennessee Smokies Charity of Choice for the 2016 season is Alzheimer's Tennessee. Alzheimer's Tennessee's mission is to serve those facing Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, to promote brain health through education, and to champion global prevention and treatment efforts. For more information on how to join the Tennessee Smokies in helping Alzheimer's Tennessee achieve their mission, please visit http://www.alztennessee.org/smokies/.

 

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.