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Bats, Klassen Lead Way Over Looks

Pandas Pound Out 11 Hits, While Klassen Knotches First Double-A Win
August 16, 2024

CHATTANOOGA, TN – The Rocket City Trash Pandas pounded out 11 hits and starting pitcher George Klassen (W, 1-1) collected his first Double-A victory, as the Rocket City Trash Pandas emerged with a 4-1 win over the Chattanooga Lookouts on Friday night at AT&T Field. Rocket City struck early as

CHATTANOOGA, TN – The Rocket City Trash Pandas pounded out 11 hits and starting pitcher George Klassen (W, 1-1) collected his first Double-A victory, as the Rocket City Trash Pandas emerged with a 4-1 win over the Chattanooga Lookouts on Friday night at AT&T Field.

Rocket City struck early as infielder Sam Brown put a pair of runs on the board with a two-run homer over the right-field wall in the first against Lookouts starter Thomas Farr (L, 1-13). It was Brown’s third homer of the season, all of them coming on the road.

The Lookouts cut the deficit in half with a sacrifice fly off the bat of outfielder Austin Hendrick in the fourth. Rocket City got that run back in the sixth with a sacrifice fly of its own, courtesy of catcher Myles Emmerson to make it a 3-1 Trash Pandas lead.

In just his second start as a Trash Panda, Klassen allowed one run through five innings of work. The Angels No. 3 prospect allowed two hits during that span.

Rocket City added another run in the seventh as outfielder Tucker Flint launched a solo shot for the second straight night. Flint now has a team-leading 15 home runs on the season as the Trash Pandas took a 4-1 lead. Flint finished a double shy of the cycle while going 3-4 with his homer.

Lookouts third baseman Austin Callahan collected two of the Lookouts five hits by going 2-4 with a double.

The Trash Pandas held on to win thanks to scoreless bullpen appearances from John O’Reilly (H, 3), Hayden Seig (H, 7) and Luke Murphy (S, 1). Murphy slammed the door with a 1-2-3 ninth for his first save with the Trash Pandas this season.

In addition to Flint, infielders Christian Moore, Chad Stevens and designated hitter Matt Coutney each provided two hits of their own. Chattanooga got a solid five innings from Farr who allowed just two earned runs in the loss.

Rocket City will now look to even the seven-game series back up against the Lookouts on Saturday. First pitch is set for 6:15 CT. Josh Caray will have the call on Talk Radio WZZN 97.7-2 FM HD-2, WAAY 31.6 The Grio and streaming on MiLB.TV, the MLB App, and Bally Live!

Probable Starters: Brett Kerry (RCT) vs. Kevin Abel (CHA)

Homestand Highlights: August 12-17 vs. Knoxville Smokies

Homestand includes a Beer Stein Giveaway, Friday Night Fireworks, Youth Space Jersey Giveaway, & Faith & Family Day
August 7, 2025

MADISON, Ala. – The Rocket City Trash Pandas return to Toyota Field for their 11th homestand of the season, hosting the Knoxville Smokies (Double-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs) from Tuesday, August 12, through Sunday, August 17. The six-game series will feature a full slate of exciting promotions, including a

Denzer Guzman named Southern League Player of the Month

August 6, 2025

MADISON, Ala. – Rocket City infielder Denzer Guzman has been named the Southern League Player of the Month for July, becoming just the sixth player in Trash Pandas history to earn the honor—and the first since Gustavo Campero in July 2024. Guzman was one of the league’s most consistent and

Four Arms, Timely Fifth-Inning Rally Power Trash Pandas Past Barons

Bullpen shines and bats come alive in the fifth as Rocket City halts Barons' 31-inning scoreless streak.
July 31, 2025

MADISON, Ala. – On Negro League throwback night at Toyota Field, four Rocket City pitchers combined for a five-hit shutout as the Trash Pandas (35-63, 11-19) earned a 3-0 win over the Birmingham Barons (59-40, 21-9) in the third game of the six-game series. Mac McCroskey led the way offensively

Trash Pandas Launch Back-to-School Initiatives to Support Local Students and Educators 

Trash Pandas Foundation announces Supply Drive, Reading and Scholarship Programs, and other events for the 2025-26 school year
July 30, 2025

MADISON, Ala. – As students across North Alabama prepare to head back to class, the Rocket City Trash Pandas are proud to announce a full lineup of Back-to-School initiatives designed to support education, celebrate students, and give back to schools throughout the Tennessee Valley. Through a series of programs hosted

Angels Trade Trash Pandas 1B Sam Brown to Nationals in Multi-Player Deal

Brown, a 2023 12th-round pick, hit .244 with 40 RBI in 92 games for Rocket City in his first full pro season
July 30, 2025

MADISON, Ala. – The Los Angeles Angels today announced the trade of Rocket City Trash Pandas first baseman Sam Brown to the Washington Nationals as part of a four-player deal. In return, the Angels acquired left-handed pitcher Andrew Chafin and right-handed pitcher Luis García. Also heading to Washington is left-hander

Trash Pandas Get West Coast Spotlight with Four-Game Broadcast on FanDuel Sports Network West

July 30, 2025

MADISON, Ala. – The Rocket City Trash Pandas are headed to West Coast airwaves! FanDuel Sports Network West will showcase the Trash Pandas to a broader audience by televising and streaming four games during the second half of the 2025 season, beginning on Thursday, July 31. Beginning Thursday, July 31,

Brown’s Ninth-Inning Blast Lifts Trash Pandas to Comeback Win

The Trash Pandas head home for a six-game homestand starting on Tuesday against Birmingham
July 27, 2025

BILOXI, Miss. -- Sam Brown launched a clutch two-run homer in the ninth inning to lift the Rocket City Trash Pandas (10-17, 34-61) to a 3-2 comeback win over the Biloxi Shuckers (13-14, 55-41) on Sunday evening at Keesler Federal Park. The victory marked just the second time in 47

Angels select the contract of Trash Pandas reliever José Quijada.

Quijada had not allowed a run over his last nine outings since June 27
July 24, 2025

BILOXI, Miss. – The Los Angeles Angels have selected the contract of Rocket City Trash Pandas left-handed reliever José Quijada. Quijada, 28, has been dominant for Rocket City this season, going 2-1 with a 2.73 ERA over 27 appearances. In 26.1 innings pitched, he’s walked nine, struck out nine, and

HOMESTAND HIGHLIGHTS: Space Night and Dinosaur Weekend highlight homestand with Barons

July 24, 2025

MADISON, Ala. - The Rocket City Trash Pandas return to Toyota Field for their tenth homestand of the season, welcoming the Birmingham Barons, the Double-A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox, from Tuesday, July 29, through Sunday, August 3. The week is packed with excitement, including Space Night on Friday,

Trash Pandas Take Series Over Clingstones, Split Doubleheader Behind Farris Gem and Guzman Blast

Denzer Guzman blasted his 11th home run on Sunday
July 20, 2025

MADISON, Ala. – The Rocket City Trash Pandas (8-13, 32-57) split Sunday’s doubleheader with the Columbus Clingstones (11-10, 37-50) at Toyota Field, securing their first series win after the All-Star Break by taking two of three games. Rocket City extended its win streak to four with a 7-2 victory in

Trash Pandas and Columbus set for Sunday doubleheader 

Saturday's rain postponement to be made up with two seven inning games starting at 12:05 pm
July 19, 2025

MADISON, Ala. – Tonight's scheduled 6:35 pm game between the Rocket City Trash Pandas and the Columbus Clingstones has been postponed due to unplayable field conditions at Toyota Field. The game will be made up as part of a doubleheader tomorrow, Sunday, July 20, featuring two seven-inning games. Game one

Trash Pandas win first meeting with Columbus 4-1 on Friday

George Klassen fanned seven, and Travis Blankenhorn homered in the win
July 18, 2025

MADISON, Ala. – Starting pitcher George Klassen (W, 3-7) fired 5.2 scoreless innings of one-hit ball, and rightfielder Travis Blankenhorn ripped a solo homer in the first inning to propel the Trash Pandas to a 4-1 win over the Columbus Clingstones Friday night in front of 6,491 fans at Toyota

Homestand Highlights: July 18-20 vs. Columbus

July 16, 2025

MADISON, Ala. – The Rocket City Trash Pandas welcome the Atlanta Braves' affiliate, Columbus Clingstones, to Toyota Field for the first time this weekend, Friday, July 18 to Sunday, July 20. This weekend includes back-to-back Fireworks Shows, a visit from the Tennessee Titans, Margaritaville Night with Jersey Auction, and the

Sam Brown gives Rocket City back-to-back Southern League Player of the Week awards

July 14, 2025

MADISON, Alabama – For the second consecutive week, a Rocket City Trash Pandas infielder has earned Southern League Player of the Week honors. Sam Brown was recognized by Minor League Baseball for his standout performance during the week of July 8–13. In Rocket City’s road series against Chattanooga, Brown led

Guzman Makes History as Trash Pandas Roll Into Break With Series Split

Rocket City out-hit Chattanooga 12-9 with Sam Brown and Oscar Colás adding three hits each in the loss
July 13, 2025

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – Behind a record-setting performance from shortstop Denzer Guzman, the Rocket City Trash Pandas (6–12, 30–56) cruised to an 8–2 win over the Chattanooga Lookouts (8–9, 46–37) on Sunday afternoon at AT&T Field. The victory secured a series split and gave the Trash Pandas back-to-back wins heading into

Trash Pandas' Bats and Bullpen Dominate in 10–3 Win Over Lookouts

Five Rocket City arms combined for 15 strikeouts and no walks in the win
July 13, 2025

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – The Rocket City Trash Pandas (5–12, 29–56) pounded out 13 hits and got a stellar performance from their bullpen to earn a 10–3 blowout win over the Chattanooga Lookouts (8–8, 46–36) on Saturday night at AT&T Field. With the victory, Rocket City will now aim for a

Colás Goes Deep, Ureña Steady as Trash Pandas Rally

Brady Choban closed the door in the ninth for his second straight save
July 10, 2025

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – The Rocket City Trash Pandas (4-10, 28-54) rallied late on Wednesday night to earn a 4–3 win over the Chattanooga Lookouts (6-7, 44-35) in the second game of their series at AT&T Field. Oscar Colás led the charge with a two-run homer, his seventh of the season,

Denzer Guzman named Southern League Player of the Week

The 21-year-old led the league last week with a 1.316 OPS
July 8, 2025

MADISON, Alabama – Rocket City Trash Pandas infielder Denzer Guzman has been named the Southern League Player of the Week by Minor League Baseball for the week of July 1–6. In a six-game split series against the Knoxville Smokies, Guzman led the league with a 1.316 OPS and seven extra-base

Edwards hits go-ahead homer, Klassen fans nine in 2-1 win over Smokies

George Klassen struck out nine over 5.0 innings on Saturday night in Knoxville
July 5, 2025

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Starter George Klassen matched his season high by recording nine strikeouts, and Evan Edwards hit the go-ahead home run in the seventh inning to break a 1-1 tie, leading the Rocket City Trash Pandas (3-8, 27-52) to a 2-1 victory over the Knoxville Smokies (5-6, 38-42) on

Trash Pandas burst five bombs in air, leaving Smokies with red glare in a 10-8 win

Colas leads the way with three dingers in Rocket City win
July 3, 2025

MADISON, Ala. – Oscar Colas pelted three solo homers, and Josh Crouch whistled a three-run go-ahead dinger in the eighth as the Trash Pandas (2-7, 26-51) came from behind to defeat the Knoxville Smokies (4-5, 33-38) 10-8 in front of 7,157 raucous fans Thursday night at Toyota Field The Trash

Streak Snapped! Trash Pandas blast Smokies 9-1 to end skid

Denzer Guzman hit his ninth home run, and Sam Aldegheri delivered 6.0 one-run innings in Wednesday's win
July 2, 2025

MADISON, Ala. – It's over! On Wednesday night, the Rocket City Trash Pandas (1-7, 25-51) ended their 16-game losing streak by blasting the Knoxville Smokies (4-4, 36-40) at Toyota Field, 9-1. Denzer Guzman hit a three-run home run that capped off a four-run third inning, and the Trash Pandas never

George Klassen named to 2025 All-Star Futures Game

Klassen will represent the Trash Pandas and the LA Angels in the July 12 game at Truist Park in Atlanta
June 30, 2025

MADISON, Ala. – Rocket City Trash Pandas right-handed pitcher George Klassen has been chosen to participate in the 2025 All-Star Futures Game. This 26th edition of the Futures Game will take place at 3:00 pm CT on Saturday, July 12, at Truist Park in Atlanta. Klassen will represent the Trash

Rain spoils Trash Pandas' winning hopes on Sunday despite tying the game in the ninth

June 29, 2025

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The Rocket City Trash Pandas (0-6, 24-50) suffered a heartbreaking 15th straight loss on Sunday, as rain interrupted the series finale in the ninth inning. The Montgomery Biscuits (6-0, 43-31) won the game at Riverwalk Stadium 6-5 in a rain-shortened eight-inning contest. The two teams will not

Independence Week and Fourth of July Festival coming up at Toyota Field

June 26, 2025

MADISON, Ala. – The Rocket City Trash Pandas are thrilled to announce a week-long Independence Day celebration as they host the Knoxville Smokies at Toyota Field from July 1-3. The festivities will include an Independence Eve Celebration and Fireworks, presented by SAIC, and a Fourth of July Festival culminating with