Barons At Smokies Final Three Games

The Birmingham Barons ended the first half of the six-game series against the Tennessee Smokies the same way they started the back half: In a loss. The Barons dropped Game 4 and 5 to the Smokies, however capped off the series finale with a victory to head into a home stand with some confidence.

The Barons fell to the Smokies in their third match-up of the year thus far, 4-2. Despite the series loss, the Barons were able to cap off the week with a victory. In the victory, the Barons were able to put together a rather well-rounded performance with all members of the starting lineup mustering up a hit.

Birmingham’s victory in the series finale may be a boost of confidence as they are finally heading home after a two week away stand.

The Barons final three games against the Smokies, above, may have given a quick glimpse, but there is definitely value in taking a closer look.

Below are the final three games against the Tennessee Smokies.

Friday, May 26th, TNS 10-9

The Baron in Friday’s defeat were dominant for eight and a half innings. Birmingham allowed six-runs in the bottom of the ninth inning to fall to the Smokies 10-9. In the loss, the Barons collected 10 hits with the majority of production coming from the bats of Jose Rodriguez and Taylor Snyder.

Rodriguez finished the game 3-4 from the plate with two runs and two RBI. Snyder finished his night 3-5 from the dish with three runs, two RBI, a double and a home run.

The two were stellar at the plate, but as a collective the Barons were rolling offensively. Birmingham started the scoring early as they were able to capitalize on a wild pitch in the top of the first inning to take the early lead.

The Smokies responded in similar fashion as the two both scored on wild pitches. The two foes battled back-and-forth in the next inning as both scored a single run to knot the game a two apiece.

Starting LHP Garrett Schoenle may have given up the pair of runs early but mustered three scoreless innings to end his night. Schoenle in his 5.0 IP finished with four hits, two earned runs, four walks, a home run and eight strikeouts.

The Barons with the aid from the southpaw to keep the opposition off the scoreboard put together a three run sixth inning. Birmingham scored on a walk with the bases loaded drawn by Eloy Jimnenez and Alsander Womack as well as another wild pitch.

The energy boost from the three-run frame got the Barons bats more alive as Taylor Snyder smacked his two-run home run in the seventh inning. Tennessee scored a pair of runs in the eighth, and the Barons matched in the top of the ninth.

Birmingham strolled into the bottom of the ninth inning up 9-4 and ended the ninth with their 29th loss of the season.

Saturday, May 27th, TNS 7-1

After a heartbreaking loss the day, the Barons were not able to bounce back as the Smokies defeated the Barons 7-1 in Game 5. In the loss, Birmingham collected four hits with two of them coming off the bat of Moises Castillo.

Castillo finished the night 2-2 from the plate, and the error came off of his bat as a hard-hit ground ball turned into the Barons lone run in the seventh inning. The Barons pitching was highlighted by LHP Haylen Green, who tossed 0.2 IP allowing two hits and struck out one.

Birmingham entered the final game of the series with hopes to salvage the series with a victory.

Sunday, May 28th, BIR 9-5

Birmingham capped off the series with a victory that showcased stellar performances from all phases. The Barons batters all collected a hit on the night and the five total pitchers combined for 14 strikeouts.

Tennessee was the first to jump off the scoreboard as the Smokies collected a run in each of the first two innings. The Barons were able to answer in the top of the second with a four-run frame.

Luis Mieses led off the calvary of runs with a solo shot to centerfield. Following Mieses, Castillo hit an RBI-single and Rodriguez was next in line with his two-RBI single. The Barons took the lead and did not look back.

Starting LHP Tommy Sommer helped from the mound in his 5.0 IP. Sommer allowed five hits, two earned runs, a home run and struck out seven, in his first win of the season.

The Barons pitching was terrific in their efforts to minimize the Smokies offense, yet it was the offense of the Barons that cemented the victory. Birmingham’s bats collected five more runs, two coming in the sixth and three in the seventh.

In the scattered runs from the Barons, Chris Shaw smoked a home run to deep right-field to aid his 2-4 night from the plate. Shaw coupled his home run, with two runs of himself.

The Smokies were able to mount a mini comeback as they mustered up three runs in the eighth inning, however this was just to pad the defeat.

Birmingham capped off the six-game road stand in Kodak, TN 15-30, but a win in the series finale showcased just what the Barons are able to do when all phases are working together.