Smokies Top Mobile 1-0

SEVIERVILLE - In a tight battle for the third game of the five-game series, the Smokies scored the game's lone run in the bottom of the sixth inning and that is all it took to secure a 1-0 victory. The Smokies out hit the BayBears by a count of 6-4.

In his Southern League debut RHP Brad Markey (5.0 IP, 3 H, 4 SO, BB) put together a fine night on the mound for Tennessee. The 24-year-old retired the first three batters he faced. Markey also retired the side in the fourth inning. In his final inning of work he gave up a single to C Michael Perez (1-3, SO) that was then followed up with a walk to 3B Tom Belza (1-2, BB). With only one out and Perez in scoring position, Markey struck out P Matt Koch then forced a groundout from RF Gabriel Guerrero (0-3, SO).

RHP Matt Koch (7.0 IP, 6 H, ER, 6 SO) got the call for the BayBears on Friday night. The former Louisville Cardinal began the night in strong fashion in giving up just two hits through five innings. The Smokies then broke the scoreless contest in the sixth inning with 3B Jeimer Candelario (1-3, RBI, SO) driving home RF Bijan Rademacher (1-2, R) from third.

LHP Gerardo Concepcion (2.0 IP, 3 SO) took the mound for the Smokies in the sixth inning and made quick order of the BayBears retiring all six of the batters he faced. The Cuba native was awarded the win for his efforts. The Smokies turned to RHP Josh Conway (1.0 IP, H, BB) in the eighth inning. Tom Belza reached on a single then advanced to third after back-to-back passed balls that were then followed up with a walk surrendered to SS Ildemaro Vargas (1-3, BB). With runners on the corners for the BayBears, Conway got out of the jam courtesy of a 5-4-3 double play. Conway was given a hold for his inning of work.

RHP Juan Paniagua (1.0 IP, 2 SO) took over for the Smokies to begin the ninth on his way to his first career Double-A save. He forced a groundout to begin the inning that was then followed by two strikeouts to give the Smokies their second win of the 2016 campaign.

For Sunday afternoon's contest the Smokies turn to RHP Tyler Skulina for what will be his Southern League debut. The BayBears will counter with RHP Zach Godley who played three seasons at the University of Tennessee.

The Pilot Pre-Game Show will kick off the broadcast at 1:50 p.m. ET, leading up to a 2:05 p.m. ET first pitch from Smokies Stadium. Sunday's broadcast can be heard exclusively on SmokiesBaseball.com or via the TuneIn Radio app.

The homestand rolls on for the Smokies with a U.S. Cellular Family FUNday on Sunday, April 10, with fans able to take advantage of a special ticket package that includes four tickets, four meal vouchers and two Kids Zone wristbands for only $48 dollars. Patrons are advised to arrive early, as the first 1,000 people through the gates will receive a special Rally Llama towel giveway presented by Pepsi.