Trash Pandas take series from Smokies with doubleheader sweep on Sunday
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – After back-to-back rainouts on Friday and Saturday, the Rocket City Trash Pandas (9-16) swept a doubleheader against the Knoxville Smokies (12-13) on Sunday afternoon, winning 6-3 and 8-2 at Covenant Health Park. Sam Brown led the offense, going 5-for-8 with two triples, two doubles, and four RBIs,
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – After back-to-back rainouts on Friday and Saturday, the Rocket City Trash Pandas (9-16) swept a doubleheader against the Knoxville Smokies (12-13) on Sunday afternoon, winning 6-3 and 8-2 at Covenant Health Park. Sam Brown led the offense, going 5-for-8 with two triples, two doubles, and four RBIs, contributing to the team's 14 runs over 14 innings. With this sweep, the Trash Pandas secured their first series victory by winning three out of five games against the Smokies.
This Sunday sweep marked the first time Rocket City has secured a doubleheader sweep since defeating Birmingham on May 29, 2024, at Regions Field. The two starters on Sunday, George Klassen and Joel Hurtado, combined to allow just one run over 10.1 innings, striking out nine and walking just one. Over the last 11 games, Rocket City starters have a 2.41 ERA.
In the first game, Klassen (W, 1-2) made his team-leading sixth start. The 23-year-old from Port Washington, WI, flirted with perfection, retiring 13 consecutive Smokies to begin the game before allowing a base runner in the fifth inning due to a one-out walk.
Despite some early misfortune, the Trash Pandas broke through in the fourth inning when Knoxville starter Grant Kipp's (L, 2-2) luck ran out. Nelson Rada kicked off a big fourth inning with a single, and with one out, the Pandas strung together four consecutive hits, highlighted by a two-run triple from Brown and a solo home run by David Calabrese, giving them a 4-0 lead. The homer was his second in two games.
In the bottom of the fifth, Klassen received a visit from the trainer but continued pitching. The walk to Ethan Hearn marked Knoxville's first base runner, and Jordan Nwogu disrupted the no-hit bid with a double down the left-field line. Casey Opitz then singled up the middle, scoring Hearn and narrowing the score to 4-1. Klassen pitched 5.0 innings, allowing one run and one hit while walking one batter and striking out five. He currently leads the Southern League with 34 strikeouts this season.
Rocket City added two insurance runs in the top of the seventh, extending their lead to 6-1. Christian Moore reached base for the second time and advanced to third on Rada's double. A hit-by-pitch of Cole Fontenelle loaded the bases for Brown, who capped his four-hit game with a two-RBI single up the middle. Brown finished game one 4-for-4 with two triples, a double, and four RBIs.
Jesus Cruz (H, 1) made his organizational debut in the sixth inning, pitching a scoreless frame and earning a hold. Jared Southard entered the game in the seventh inning but allowed a two-run home run by Jaylen Palmer, making the final score in the first game 6-3.
In the second game, pitching dominated until the Trash Pandas pulled away in the seventh inning. Hurtado (W, 2-1) continued to pitch well, throwing 5.1 scoreless innings, striking out four and walking one.
The Trash Pandas scored first and added runs in the fourth inning. Denzer Guzman walked, and Brown hit a double, setting up an RBI fielder's choice from Myles Emmerson and an RBI single by Calabrese.
The team batted around in the top of the seventh, extending their lead to 8-0. Caleb Ketchup led off with what appeared to be a home run to left field but settled for a triple. Pitcher Zac Leigh walked the next two batters to load the bases for Guzman, who smacked a two-run double to kick off the scoring that inning. Another hit-by-pitch of Fontenelle loaded the bases again. The Smokies recorded two outs, but with two down, Sonny DiChiara launched the team's first grand slam of the year, bringing the score to 8-0. This was DiChiara's third home run of the season, which measured 429 feet.
Hurtado tossed 5.0 shutout innings on four hits, walking one and striking out four. The 24-year-old now ranks sixth in the league with a 2.03 ERA.
Brady Choban (H, 3) worked a scoreless sixth inning and picked up his third hold. Knoxville scored two runs in the bottom of the seventh, but the Trash Pandas completed the sweep with an 8-2 victory.
The Rocket City Trash Pandas return to Madison for a six-game homestand against the Montgomery Biscuits starting on Tuesday at Toyota Field. The first game is scheduled to begin at 6:00 pm on Tuesday, featuring Rocket City left-hander Mitch Farris (0-0, 3.63 ERA) starting for the Trash Pandas. Fans can watch the game on Bally Live and MiLB.tv or listen on ESPN 97.7 HD-2 and trashpandasbaseball.com.
Tuesday's Promotions
- Reeds Jewelers Ladies Night: Ladies in attendance can enter to win prizes all game long at the Sun Cruiser Guest Services booth behind Section 5. Additionally, canned wine will be available for $5 for all fans 21 and older.
- Private Clyde Mays Whiskey Tasting: Elevate your game day experience with an exclusive private Clyde Mays tasting. Indulge in the rich flavors of Alabama's award-winning whiskey and enjoy access inside our SportsMed Stadium Club for the best views and vibes. Click HERE to get your private Clyde Mays Tasting Tickets.
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 by calling the group sales department directly at (256) 325-1403, option 2. 20-game mini-plans are also available at tptix.com.
Phils' Crawford joins MiLB podcast ahead of Trade Deadline
Check out the latest episodes of The Show Before the Show, MiLB.com's official podcast. A segment rundown is listed below, in case you want to skip to a particular section. Like the podcast? Subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts. The podcast is also available via Spotify, Megaphone and other
These are the upcoming Minor League promos you do NOT want to miss
Benjamin Hill travels the nation collecting stories about what makes Minor League Baseball unique. This excerpt from the Baseball Traveler newsletter, presented by Circle K, is a mere taste of the smorgasbord of delights he offers every week. Read the full newsletter here, and subscribe to his newsletter here.
MiLB podcast previews Futures Game, MLB Draft
Check out the latest episodes of The Show Before the Show, MiLB.com's official podcast. A segment rundown is listed below, in case you want to skip to a particular section. Like the podcast? Subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts. The podcast is also available via Spotify, Megaphone and other
Podcast: New Erie identity, new ballparks, new Top 100
Check out the latest episodes of The Show Before the Show, MiLB.com's official podcast. A segment rundown is listed below, in case you want to skip to a particular section. Like the podcast? Subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts. The podcast is also available via Spotify, Megaphone and other
How clubs across Minor League Baseball are celebrating PLAY BALL Weekend
PLAY BALL Weekend is almost here, and Minor League clubs have put together an exciting calendar of events to celebrate MLB’s youth engagement initiative. Some clubs are hosting youth clinics or other events in their home ballparks while others are bringing the joy of baseball and softball into the local
Here are the weirdest plays and stats from MiLB in May
Benjamin Hill travels the nation collecting stories about what makes Minor League Baseball unique. This excerpt from the Baseball Traveler newsletter, presented by Circle K, is a mere taste of the smorgasbord of delights he offers every week. Read the full newsletter here, and subscribe to his newsletter here.
Podcast features first-base promotions for Caglianone, Eldridge
Check out the latest episodes of The Show Before the Show, MiLB.com's official podcast. A segment rundown is listed below, in case you want to skip to a particular section. Like the podcast? Subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts. The podcast is also available via Spotify, Megaphone and other
Cubs' Rojas, Mets' Tong headline May's Minor League Players of the Month
Minor League Baseball announced the Player and Pitcher of the Month Award winners for May in Major League Baseball’s player development system.
Minor League Baseball, Joe Torre Safe At Home partnership enters ninth year
For the ninth year, Minor League Baseball and Joe Torre Safe At Home have teamed up to raise awareness about violence and abuse and to inspire fans of all ages to join them in SAH’s critical work. This year, 63 MiLB teams will participate in an in-ballpark initiative from May
MiLB podcast discusses Anthony, Caglianone at Triple-A
Check out the latest episodes of The Show Before the Show, MiLB.com's official podcast. A segment rundown is listed below, in case you want to skip to a particular section. Like the podcast? Subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts. The podcast is also available via Spotify, Megaphone and other
These are the greatest Minor League promos happening in June
Benjamin Hill travels the nation collecting stories about what makes Minor League Baseball unique. This excerpt from the Baseball Traveler newsletter, presented by Circle K, is a mere taste of the smorgasbord of delights he offers every week. Read the full newsletter here, and subscribe to his newsletter here.
New playoff format coming to 2025 Dominican Summer League
Minor League Baseball announced the 2025 Dominican Summer League (DSL) season will begin June 2 with Opening Day festivities taking place at the Boston Red Sox Academy in Guerra. The 2025 campaign will also see the introduction of the DSL Cup, a new playoff format that will see 16 DSL
Debating best Minor League home caps on podcast
Check out the latest episodes of The Show Before the Show, MiLB.com's official podcast. A segment rundown is listed below, in case you want to skip to a particular section. Like the podcast? Subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts. The podcast is also available via Spotify, Megaphone and other
The Omaha Storm Chasers' 'Take Meow-t' cat night included a Litter Box Sundae
Benjamin Hill travels the nation collecting stories about what makes Minor League Baseball unique. This excerpt from the Baseball Traveler newsletter, presented by Circle K, is a mere taste of the smorgasbord of delights he offers every week. Read the full newsletter here, and subscribe to his newsletter here.
Boston's Triple-A affiliate throws birthday bash for Roman Anthony
With all the hype that has surrounded Roman Anthony over the past two seasons, it’s easy to forget how young he really is. MLB's No. 1 prospect played 70 games at the highest level of the Minors before he could order a beer. But he can now. Roman Anthony turned
Friendly foes, 2024 first-rounders Moore and Caglianone trade first Triple-A homers
For years, Christian Moore and Jac Caglianone laced up their cleats against one another in the SEC. A rivalry that spanned Florida, Tennessee and other landmarks across the South moved to Salt Lake City this week as the Royals and Angels' top prospects got simultaneous Triple-A promotions. So it was
Phillies' Moore, Fausnaught join MiLB podcast
Check out the latest episodes of The Show Before the Show, MiLB.com's official podcast. A segment rundown is listed below, in case you want to skip to a particular section. Like the podcast? Subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts. The podcast is also available via Spotify, Megaphone and other
Red Sox prospect rips double THROUGH Fenway-esque scoreboard
Red Sox No. 4 prospect Franklin Arias, an infielder for High-A Greenville, REALLY didn’t want to let visiting Asheville score any runs in the top of the eighth inning on Friday night. With runners on first and second base in the bottom of the fourth, Arias showed he apparently held
April's hottest hitting prospects -- one for each organization
The Minor League season is a month old and several of the game's best hitting prospects are off to fast starts. Red Sox outfielder Roman Anthony is tearing up Triple-A (just like he did at the end of last year), Padres shortstop Leo De Vries is leading the High-A Midwest
Check out the best -- and wackiest -- Minor League promos happening in May
Benjamin Hill travels the nation collecting stories about what makes Minor League Baseball unique. This excerpt from the Baseball Traveler newsletter, presented by Circle K, is a mere taste of the smorgasbord of delights he offers every week. Read the full newsletter here, and subscribe to his newsletter here.
Orioles' Honeycutt joins The Show Before the Show
Check out the latest episodes of The Show Before the Show, MiLB.com's official podcast. A segment rundown is listed below, in case you want to skip to a particular section. Like the podcast? Subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts. The podcast is also available via Spotify, Megaphone and other
MiLB podcast coming LIVE to a Somerset this June
Check out the latest episodes of The Show Before the Show, MiLB.com's official podcast. A segment rundown is listed below, in case you want to skip to a particular section. Like the podcast? Subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts. The podcast is also available via Spotify, Megaphone and other
New ballparks highlight 2025 MiLB road trip stops
Benjamin Hill travels the nation collecting stories about what makes Minor League Baseball unique. This excerpt from the Baseball Traveler newsletter, presented by Circle K, is a mere taste of the smorgasbord of delights he offers every week. Read the full newsletter here, and subscribe to his newsletter here.
Minor League Baseball partners with TruGreen
FRANKLIN, Tenn. -- TruGreen, the nation's leading lawn care treatment provider, is proud to announce a groundbreaking partnership with Minor League Baseball that includes activations across all 120 clubs, a makeover of the home dugout in each market, sponsorship of select MiLB team grounds crews, and a new initiative called
Podcast explains why the Syracuse Mets are looking for Jim Morrison
Check out the latest episodes of The Show Before the Show, MiLB.com's official podcast. A segment rundown is listed below, in case you want to skip to a particular section. Like the podcast? Subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts. The podcast is also available via Spotify, Megaphone and other