Smokies Stifle BayBears in Series Finale
Right-hander Robert Whitenack (2-0) retired the first six BayBears (17-11) that he faced before Kyle Greene smacked a lead-off single to start the bottom of the third. Niko Gallego was hit by a pitch while Wade Miley (0-2) sac bunted both baserunners into scoring position. With two outs, Ollie Linton walked to load the bags for Paul Goldschmidt, who also walked to bring home the only BayBear run.
Miley cruised through the first four frames with just two hits allowed before the Smokies (18-12) exploded with a six-spot in the fifth. Jim Adduci kicked off the rally with a double to left. He scored on a fielder's choice grounder to first off the bat of Whitenack as he slid head first past Josh Ford's tag attempt.
Brett Jackson followed that with a single while Nate Samson doubled home Whitenack to put the Smokies on top. D.J. LeMahieu cracked a knock to drive in Jackson and Samson. Rebel Ridling smacked a two-run rally killer to put the Smokies in front, 6-1.
Tennessee added two more to chase Miley in the seventh. Jackson walked and scored on a sac fly from LeMahieu while Blake Lalli singled home Samson to make it 8-1. Billy Spottiswood, Bryan Woodall and Clay Zavada each worked a scoreless inning of relief.
The BayBears are on the road against the Jacksonville Suns on Monday morning at 10:05 central time. Left-hander Patrick Corbin (1-1) will start for the BayBears against right-hander Omar Poveda (1-1). The BayBears are back home on Saturday, May 14 against the Carolina Mudcats at 7:05 p.m. For tickets, please call (251) 479-BEAR or log on towww.mobilebaybears.com. You can also follow the BayBears all season long on Facebook and Twitter.