Streak Snapped! Trash Pandas blast Smokies 9-1 to end skid
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
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 looked back.
After two shutout innings from Knoxville starter Nick Dean (L, 1-3), Rocket City put together one of their most consequential innings of the season in the third. Ben Gobbel and Myles Emmerson singled with two outs to start the inning. Dean then struck out the next two batters. Travis Blankenhorn stayed hot on Wednesday, singling home Gobbel and putting the Pandas on the board. The next batter, Guzman, hit a towering three-run home run 412 feet over the left-centerfield wall, giving Rocket City a 4-0 lead.
The Trash Pandas added two more runs in the fourth inning, capitalizing on a walk by David Mershon and a single by Gobbel, followed by a double steal. Emmerson then delivered a two-run single, extending the lead to 6-0.
Meanwhile, Sam Aldegheri (W, 3-6) delivered one of his best outings of the year and benefited from pitching with a lead. Through the first five innings, the Italian allowed only one hit. In the sixth, Knoxville managed to score an unearned run, avoiding the shutout with an RBI infield single by Jordan Nwogu. Aldegheri pitched around three walks and two errors but was aided by two double plays in the first three innings. He completed 6.0 innings, allowing one unearned run on four hits while walking three and striking out two.
The Trash Pandas continued to build on their lead. Five consecutive Rocket City batters reached base in the seventh inning, culminating in a two-run single from Gobbel. Guzman added a double to finish his day at 2-for-4 and scored on a wild pitch. The three-run seventh extended the Trash Pandas' lead to 9-1.
Aldegheri's win snapped a four-game losing streak for him on the mound, marking his first victory since May 22 at Chattanooga. AJ Block pitched effectively again out of the Trash Pandas' bullpen, striking out two in a scoreless inning. Brady Choban struck out one in a scoreless inning, and Nick Jones struck out two while closing out the game with a scoreless ninth.
Gobbel led the Trash Pandas' offense, which finished with 10 hits, going 3-for-5 with two RBIs and scoring two runs. Guzman now has 25 extra-base hits, including his ninth home run and 15th double of the season on Wednesday. Blankenhorn was 2-for-5 with an RBI and a run scored, while having now reached base safely in 13 of 15 games since returning from the injured list. Emmerson also contributed with multiple hits, finishing 2-for-4.
The Trash Pandas conclude their homestand on Wednesday with the last of three games at Toyota Field against the Smokies. The first pitch is scheduled for 6:05 pm with right-handed pitcher Walbert Urena (3-5, 5.37) starting for the Trash Pandas against right-hander Grant Kipp (5-2, 3.22) for Knoxville. The game can be seen on WAAY-TV MORE 31.6, Bally Sports Live, MiLB.tv, and heard on Talk Radio WZZN 97.7 FM HD-2.
A LIMITED quantity of Patio Level seating is still available for tomorrow's Independence Eve game, presented by SAIC. Only SRO tickets will be available once they're gone. This offer is ONLY available in person or over the phone at 256-325-1403.
The series will then move to Chattanooga for the final three games, July 4-6, at Covenant Health Park. The Trash Pandas will not return to Toyota Field until July 18.
UPCOMING PROMOTIONS:
**Thursday, July 3 | First Pitch:* 6:05 pm *| Gates Open:* 5:00 pm *| Trustmark VIP Gates:** 4:30 pm
- Independence EVE Celebration: Our Independence EVE Celebration, presented by SAIC, includes a Patriotic Fireworks Extravaganza after the game.
- Throwback Thursday: Enjoy $3 domestic draft beers available at the Rock Porch, Clyde Mays Clubhouse Bar, and SportsMED Stadium Club for fans 21 and older.
Tickets are available starting at just $8 for general admission and $16 for field-level seats. They can be purchased online at tptix.com. Fans can also purchase tickets in person during regular business hours at the Wicks Family Foundation Box Office or by calling 256-325-1403, option 1. Fans can book their group outings for the 2025 season by visiting trashpandasgroups.com or calling the group sales department directly at (256) 325-1403, option 2.
Homestand Highlights - September 9-14 vs. Chattanooga
MADISON, Ala. – The Rocket City Trash Pandas return to Toyota Field for their final homestand of the season, hosting the Chattanooga Lookouts (Double-A affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds) from Tuesday, September 9, through Sunday, September 14. The final homestand is packed with promotions, highlighted by a Glow-In-The-Dark Youth T-Shirt
Angels Select Contract of Trash Pandas Pitcher Mitch Farris
MADISON, Ala. – The Los Angeles Angels on Monday selected the contract of Rocket City Trash Pandas starting pitcher Mitch Farris. The left-hander, acquired by the Angels this past December, will become the 45th Rocket City player to reach the Major Leagues and the ninth this season. He is also
Aldegheri Dominates As Trash Pandas Blank Columbus
MADISON, Ala. – Sam Aldegheri delivered a masterclass performance on Saturday night, firing 8.0 shutout innings with six strikeouts to lead the Rocket City Trash Pandas (19-37, 43-81) to a 4-0 win over the Columbus Clingstones (28-28, 54-69) in front of 5,526 fans at Toyota Field. The Italian-born southpaw notched
José Canseco Headlines Stars’ 40th Anniversary Celebration Thursday
MADISON, Ala.– The Rocket City Trash Pandas will honor the rich professional baseball history of North Alabama with Huntsville Stars 40th Anniversary Night, presented by the U.S. Army, this Thursday, August 28, at Toyota Field. Headlining the celebration will be José Canseco (1985) and his twin brother Ozzie Canseco (1988–90),
Trash Pandas Beer & Wine Festival returns Saturday, Sept. 6
MADISON, Ala. – One of the most popular events at Toyota Field is back in 2025 when the Rocket City Trash Pandas Beer & Wine Fest comes to Toyota Field on Saturday, September 6. CLICK HERE TO GET TICKETS TO THE BEER & WINE FESTIVAL On Saturday, September 6, from
HOMESTAND HIGHLIGHTS: August 26-31 vs. Columbus
MADISON, Ala. – The Rocket City Trash Pandas return to Toyota Field for their penultimate homestand of the season, hosting the Columbus Clingstones (Double-A affiliate of the Atlanta Braves) from Tuesday, August 26, through Sunday, August 31. The six-game series will feature a full slate of exciting promotions, including Japanese
Colas Walk-Off Caps Pandas' Wild Ninth-Inning Rally
MADISON, Ala. – The Rocket City Trash Pandas (17-35, 41-79) clawed back with a four-run rally in the bottom of the ninth, capped by an Oscar Colas walk-off triple, to stun the Columbus Clingstones (26-27, 52-67) 6-5 on Wednesday night at Toyota Field. The win marked Rocket City's third straight
Farris fans 13 as Pandas blank Columbus 2-0
MADISON, Ala. – The Rocket City Trash Pandas (17-35, 41-79) returned to Toyota Field on Tuesday night and tossed an eight-hit shutout, behind a 13-strikeout performance from Mitch Farris, winning 2-0 in the series opener over the Atlanta Braves' affiliate Columbus Clingstones (26-26, 53-65) at Toyota Field. The night belonged
Trash Pandas announce 2026 schedule
MADISON, Alabama – The Rocket City Trash Pandas are excited to unveil their 2026 schedule, marking the club’s sixth season at Toyota Field. The action begins on Friday, April 3, 2026, when the Trash Pandas host the Biloxi Shuckers to open a three-game homestand through April 5. VIEW SCHEDULE The
Trash Pandas Close Series With 7-4 Win in Birmingham
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Rocket City Trash Pandas (16-35, 40-79) closed their series in Birmingham with a 7-4 win over the Barons (35-16, 73-47) on Sunday afternoon at Regions Field. Starter Sam Aldegheri (W, 7-8) returned to the mound for his first outing since August 15 and gave the Pandas
Late night ends with 3-2 extra-inning win over over Barons
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Rocket City Trash Pandas (15-32, 39-76) edged out the Birmingham Barons (32-15, 70-46) in a back-and-forth 3-2 victory in eight innings Thursday night at Regions Field. Originally scheduled as a doubleheader, only one game was played due to rain delaying the start time from 5:00 pm
Denzer Guzman named Southern League Player of the Month
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
Trash Pandas Blank Smokies Again for Back-to-Back 5-0 Wins
MADISON, Ala. – For the second straight night, the Rocket City Trash Pandas (14-27, 38-71) shut out the Knoxville Smokies (19-21, 51-57) by a 5-0 score, grabbing a 2-0 series lead at Toyota Field. Rocket City starter Mitch Farris (W, 2-8) struck out seven to push his Southern League-best total
Clutch Calabrese, dominant arms lead 5-0 win over Smokies
MADISON, Ala. – In his return to Toyota Field, centerfielder David Calabrese delivered a pair of clutch two-out RBI singles, helping the Rocket City Trash Pandas (13-27, 37-71) shut out the Knoxville Smokies (19-20, 51-56) 5-0 in Tuesday's series opener. Four Rocket City pitchers combined to allow just three hits
Homestand Highlights: August 12-17 vs. Knoxville Smokies
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
Four Arms, Timely Fifth-Inning Rally Power Trash Pandas Past Barons
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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 win first meeting with Columbus 4-1 on Friday
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