Trash Pandas Take Series Over Clingstones, Split Doubleheader Behind Farris Gem and Guzman Blast
MADISON, Ala. – The Rocket City Trash Pandas (8-13, 32-57) split Sunday’s doubleheader with the Columbus Clingstones (11-10, 37-50) at Toyota Field, securing their first series win after the All-Star Break by taking two of three games. Rocket City extended its win streak to four with a 7-2 victory in
MADISON, Ala. – The Rocket City Trash Pandas (8-13, 32-57) split Sunday’s doubleheader with the Columbus Clingstones (11-10, 37-50) at Toyota Field, securing their first series win after the All-Star Break by taking two of three games. Rocket City extended its win streak to four with a 7-2 victory in game one, before falling 8-3 in the second game.
Left-hander Mitch Farris (W, 1-6) made his first start against his former organization and turned in a solid start, earning his first win in 16 starts. He tossed five solid innings, allowing two runs on just three hits with two walks and five strikeouts, moving into second place in the Southern League with 97 strikeouts. He got immediate run support thanks to Oscar Colás, who crushed a three-run homer in the first—his eighth of the season and fifth in his last 12 games—scoring Nelson Rada and Denzer Guzman.
Columbus responded with two runs in the second on a two-out, two-run double from Chandler Seagle, but the Trash Pandas quickly regained momentum. Rocket City chased Columbus starter Lucas Braun (L, 4-3) in the third with a three-run inning. Josh Crouch lined a two-out RBI single to left, followed by a two-run single from Evan Edwards to stretch the lead to 6-2. Ben Gobbel added an insurance run with a solo shot in the sixth—his fourth homer as a Trash Panda. Samy Natera Jr. and José Quijada each worked a scoreless inning to seal the game one win.
In game two, Rocket City went with a bullpen approach, starting Nick Jones for the second straight game. Columbus jumped out early with three runs in the second, sending nine batters to the plate and getting RBI singles from Cal Conley and Geraldo Quintero, plus a bases-loaded walk to Cade Bunnell. The Pandas were held in check early by Columbus ace Ian Mejia, but Guzman broke through with a solo home run on the first pitch of the fourth. In the fifth, Rocket City tied the game at 3-3 when Guzman delivered a two-run single after a walk and a hit-by-pitch loaded the bases.
The Clingstones quickly retook the lead in the sixth with a solo homer from Adam Zebrowski, then put the game out of reach in the seventh on a grand slam from Ethan Workinger to make it 8-3. Sean Poppen (L, 2-3) was charged with four runs across the final two innings, while Sam Ryan, Jordan Holloway, Kelvin Caceres, and AJ Block turned in scoreless outings earlier in the contest.
OF NOTE:
- Despite the loss in game two, several Trash Pandas continued their hot streaks at the plate. Colás and Rada both extended their on-base streaks to 10 games, while Sam Brown pushed his to eight. Since July 11, Rocket City leads the Southern League—and is tied for the Double-A lead—with 58 hits over its last six games.
- The Trash Pandas’ Margaritaville Jersey Auction, presented by First Stop Inc., raised $14,299.26, with all proceeds benefiting the Center for the Developmentally Disabled of North Central Alabama.
The Trash Pandas have a scheduled travel day on Monday before beginning a six-game road series at Biloxi on Tuesday night. First pitch is set for 6:35 p.m. CT, with Rocket City sending RHP Walbert Urena (4-5, 5.31 ERA) to the mound against Shuckers RHP Alexander Cornielle (3-5, 3.84 ERA). Fans can watch live on Bally Sports Live, stream on MiLB.tv, or listen on Talk Radio WZZN 97.7 HD-2.
Rocket City returns to Toyota Field for a six-game homestand from July 28 to August 3 against the Birmingham Barons. The homestand features special events including Educator Appreciation Night presented by COUNTRY Financial, Space Night with a jersey auction, Dinosaur Weekend, and more!
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 calling the Group Sales Department directly at (256) 325-1403, option 2.
Homestand Highlights: August 12-17 vs. Knoxville Smokies
MADISON, Ala. – The Rocket City Trash Pandas return to Toyota Field for their 11th homestand of the season, hosting the Knoxville Smokies (Double-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs) from Tuesday, August 12, through Sunday, August 17. The six-game series will feature a full slate of exciting promotions, including a
Denzer Guzman named Southern League Player of the Month
MADISON, Ala. – Rocket City infielder Denzer Guzman has been named the Southern League Player of the Month for July, becoming just the sixth player in Trash Pandas history to earn the honor—and the first since Gustavo Campero in July 2024. Guzman was one of the league’s most consistent and
Four Arms, Timely Fifth-Inning Rally Power Trash Pandas Past Barons
MADISON, Ala. – On Negro League throwback night at Toyota Field, four Rocket City pitchers combined for a five-hit shutout as the Trash Pandas (35-63, 11-19) earned a 3-0 win over the Birmingham Barons (59-40, 21-9) in the third game of the six-game series. Mac McCroskey led the way offensively
Trash Pandas Launch Back-to-School Initiatives to Support Local Students and Educators
MADISON, Ala. – As students across North Alabama prepare to head back to class, the Rocket City Trash Pandas are proud to announce a full lineup of Back-to-School initiatives designed to support education, celebrate students, and give back to schools throughout the Tennessee Valley. Through a series of programs hosted
Angels Trade Trash Pandas 1B Sam Brown to Nationals in Multi-Player Deal
MADISON, Ala. – The Los Angeles Angels today announced the trade of Rocket City Trash Pandas first baseman Sam Brown to the Washington Nationals as part of a four-player deal. In return, the Angels acquired left-handed pitcher Andrew Chafin and right-handed pitcher Luis García. Also heading to Washington is left-hander
Trash Pandas Get West Coast Spotlight with Four-Game Broadcast on FanDuel Sports Network West
MADISON, Ala. – The Rocket City Trash Pandas are headed to West Coast airwaves! FanDuel Sports Network West will showcase the Trash Pandas to a broader audience by televising and streaming four games during the second half of the 2025 season, beginning on Thursday, July 31. Beginning Thursday, July 31,
Brown’s Ninth-Inning Blast Lifts Trash Pandas to Comeback Win
BILOXI, Miss. -- Sam Brown launched a clutch two-run homer in the ninth inning to lift the Rocket City Trash Pandas (10-17, 34-61) to a 3-2 comeback win over the Biloxi Shuckers (13-14, 55-41) on Sunday evening at Keesler Federal Park. The victory marked just the second time in 47
Angels select the contract of Trash Pandas reliever José Quijada.
BILOXI, Miss. – The Los Angeles Angels have selected the contract of Rocket City Trash Pandas left-handed reliever José Quijada. Quijada, 28, has been dominant for Rocket City this season, going 2-1 with a 2.73 ERA over 27 appearances. In 26.1 innings pitched, he’s walked nine, struck out nine, and
HOMESTAND HIGHLIGHTS: Space Night and Dinosaur Weekend highlight homestand with Barons
MADISON, Ala. - The Rocket City Trash Pandas return to Toyota Field for their tenth homestand of the season, welcoming the Birmingham Barons, the Double-A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox, from Tuesday, July 29, through Sunday, August 3. The week is packed with excitement, including Space Night on Friday,
Trash Pandas and Columbus set for Sunday doubleheader
MADISON, Ala. – Tonight's scheduled 6:35 pm game between the Rocket City Trash Pandas and the Columbus Clingstones has been postponed due to unplayable field conditions at Toyota Field. The game will be made up as part of a doubleheader tomorrow, Sunday, July 20, featuring two seven-inning games. Game one
Trash Pandas win first meeting with Columbus 4-1 on Friday
MADISON, Ala. – Starting pitcher George Klassen (W, 3-7) fired 5.2 scoreless innings of one-hit ball, and rightfielder Travis Blankenhorn ripped a solo homer in the first inning to propel the Trash Pandas to a 4-1 win over the Columbus Clingstones Friday night in front of 6,491 fans at Toyota
Homestand Highlights: July 18-20 vs. Columbus
MADISON, Ala. – The Rocket City Trash Pandas welcome the Atlanta Braves' affiliate, Columbus Clingstones, to Toyota Field for the first time this weekend, Friday, July 18 to Sunday, July 20. This weekend includes back-to-back Fireworks Shows, a visit from the Tennessee Titans, Margaritaville Night with Jersey Auction, and the
Sam Brown gives Rocket City back-to-back Southern League Player of the Week awards
MADISON, Alabama – For the second consecutive week, a Rocket City Trash Pandas infielder has earned Southern League Player of the Week honors. Sam Brown was recognized by Minor League Baseball for his standout performance during the week of July 8–13. In Rocket City’s road series against Chattanooga, Brown led
Guzman Makes History as Trash Pandas Roll Into Break With Series Split
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – Behind a record-setting performance from shortstop Denzer Guzman, the Rocket City Trash Pandas (6–12, 30–56) cruised to an 8–2 win over the Chattanooga Lookouts (8–9, 46–37) on Sunday afternoon at AT&T Field. The victory secured a series split and gave the Trash Pandas back-to-back wins heading into
Trash Pandas' Bats and Bullpen Dominate in 10–3 Win Over Lookouts
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – The Rocket City Trash Pandas (5–12, 29–56) pounded out 13 hits and got a stellar performance from their bullpen to earn a 10–3 blowout win over the Chattanooga Lookouts (8–8, 46–36) on Saturday night at AT&T Field. With the victory, Rocket City will now aim for a
Colás Goes Deep, Ureña Steady as Trash Pandas Rally
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – The Rocket City Trash Pandas (4-10, 28-54) rallied late on Wednesday night to earn a 4–3 win over the Chattanooga Lookouts (6-7, 44-35) in the second game of their series at AT&T Field. Oscar Colás led the charge with a two-run homer, his seventh of the season,
Denzer Guzman named Southern League Player of the Week
MADISON, Alabama – Rocket City Trash Pandas infielder Denzer Guzman has been named the Southern League Player of the Week by Minor League Baseball for the week of July 1–6. In a six-game split series against the Knoxville Smokies, Guzman led the league with a 1.316 OPS and seven extra-base
Edwards hits go-ahead homer, Klassen fans nine in 2-1 win over Smokies
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Starter George Klassen matched his season high by recording nine strikeouts, and Evan Edwards hit the go-ahead home run in the seventh inning to break a 1-1 tie, leading the Rocket City Trash Pandas (3-8, 27-52) to a 2-1 victory over the Knoxville Smokies (5-6, 38-42) on
Trash Pandas burst five bombs in air, leaving Smokies with red glare in a 10-8 win
MADISON, Ala. – Oscar Colas pelted three solo homers, and Josh Crouch whistled a three-run go-ahead dinger in the eighth as the Trash Pandas (2-7, 26-51) came from behind to defeat the Knoxville Smokies (4-5, 33-38) 10-8 in front of 7,157 raucous fans Thursday night at Toyota Field The Trash
Streak Snapped! Trash Pandas blast Smokies 9-1 to end skid
MADISON, Ala. – It's over! On Wednesday night, the Rocket City Trash Pandas (1-7, 25-51) ended their 16-game losing streak by blasting the Knoxville Smokies (4-4, 36-40) at Toyota Field, 9-1. Denzer Guzman hit a three-run home run that capped off a four-run third inning, and the Trash Pandas never
George Klassen named to 2025 All-Star Futures Game
MADISON, Ala. – Rocket City Trash Pandas right-handed pitcher George Klassen has been chosen to participate in the 2025 All-Star Futures Game. This 26th edition of the Futures Game will take place at 3:00 pm CT on Saturday, July 12, at Truist Park in Atlanta. Klassen will represent the Trash
Rain spoils Trash Pandas' winning hopes on Sunday despite tying the game in the ninth
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The Rocket City Trash Pandas (0-6, 24-50) suffered a heartbreaking 15th straight loss on Sunday, as rain interrupted the series finale in the ninth inning. The Montgomery Biscuits (6-0, 43-31) won the game at Riverwalk Stadium 6-5 in a rain-shortened eight-inning contest. The two teams will not
Independence Week and Fourth of July Festival coming up at Toyota Field
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