Abbott Strikes Out Season High Nine In 2-1 Win

PEARL, MS - The Tennessee Smokies (48-63, 15-27) survived late against the Mississippi Braves (53-57, 20-21) with a 2-1 win on the back of a solid pitching outing by Cory Abbott Friday night at Trustmark Park. Smokies pitchers collected double-digit strikeouts for the second straight night. 
Once again, the M-Braves were forced to work through the bullpen. Starter RHP Kyle Muller suffered a game-ending knee injury on just his third pitch of the game. RHP Connor Johnstone (L, 4-2) came to the rescue to provide four innings in a losing effort.
The Smokies cashed in their first run of the ballgame in the second inning without recording a base hit. Charcer Burks drew a one out walk and reached third with a steal and a throwing error by catcher William Contreras. He came home to score thanks to a wild pitch by Johnstone to give the Smokies a 1-0 lead. 
Tennessee grabbed another run the very next inning. Zach Davis led off the frame with a single and reached second on a throwing error by Johnstone. Nico Hoerner followed with an RBI-single to score Davis and extend the Smokies lead to 2-0.  In 19 starts this season with the Smokies, Davis has now tallied 17 total runs.
After four 1-2-3 innings and only one total hit, the Braves finally tallied a run on Smokies starter RHP Cory Abbott (W, 6-7). To lead off the sixth inning, Daniel Lockheart blasted a solo home run in to right field to run the score to 2-1.
Despite the home run, Abbott was brilliant in his 21st start of the season. He allowed just three hits and one run in seven innings with a season high nine strikeouts. It was his sixth quality start of the year and sixth straight start in which he held opponents to three hits or less. 
The Smokies turned to LHP Manuel Rondon (H, 2) and RHP Bailey Clark (S, 4) who shut out the Braves the rest of the way. Mississippi threatened with a bases loaded opportunity in the bottom of ninth, but Clark worked out of the jam and struck out CJ Alexander to clinch a game two win. 
Game three of the series between the Smokies and the Braves is set for Saturday night. Chicago Cubs fourth round draft pick in 2017, RHP Eric Uelman (0-0, 0.00), will make his debut with the Smokies since being called up on 7/31. On the other end, LHP Tucker Davidson (6-6, 2.15) will get the ball for Mississippi. First pitch is set for 7:05 EDT.